The Federal Government has announced six new projects under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative to boost road safety for truck drivers across the country.
The projects – part of a $20.9 million joint investment between the Federal Government and state, territory and local governments – will help keep heavy vehicle drivers and motorists safe by addressing the shortage of heavy vehicle rest areas on the road network.
Projects funded through the HVRA initiative’s sixth tranche include new rest stops with facilities such as showers, toilets, lighting and expanding parking bays to accommodate more heavy vehicles.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, said these road upgrades are critical to supporting truck drivers during freight transport.
“Delivering these much-needed works for rest stops across New South Wales and Western Australia will ensure that our truckies have more regular access to rest areas along their routes,” he said.
“I thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their hard work in guiding the process and supporting these critical works needed to ensure the safety of all travellers.”
The funded projects are:
- Central Darling Shire Council, New South Wales – design and upgrade of the Halfway Tree Rest Area on Cobb Highway
- Narromine Shire Council, NSW – design and upgrade of the Narromine Heavy Vehicle Rest Area
- Shire of Plantagenet, Western Australia – upgrade to the Rocky Gully Heavy Vehicle Rest Area
- Shire of Victoria Plains, WA – new rest area at Calingiri
- Commissioner of Main Roads, WA – upgrade to the Cranbrook Heavy Vehicle Rest Area with eight new truck parking bays and improving existing solar power facilities
- Commissioner of Main Roads, WA – new heavy vehicle rest area on the Eyre Highway at Mundrabilla.
WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, commended the planned impacts of these road works in her state.
“In a state as big as Western Australia, road freight is absolutely essential to the economy, and this investment will ensure truckies have better facilities on the road network,” she said.
“By partnering with the Albanese Labor Government, we’re getting on with the job of delivering these critical projects, which will improve the efficiency of our freight movement and make the journey safer for our truck drivers.”
Similarly, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, stressed the crucial nature of the NSW upgrades.
“These rest areas are a vital part of the road safety picture – giving drivers safe, reliable places to take a break and manage fatigue,” she said.
“I’m pleased to see funding coming to the Central West, including upgrades at Narromine and on the Cobb Highway.
“Both are key freight routes that keep NSW moving.”
The Australian Government has committed $140 million over 10 years to build new heavy vehicle rest areas and upgrade existing ones through the HVRA.
In other news, Victoria-based transport and logistics company, Guru Hundal Freightlines, has established a new transport division.
