The Australian Government has announced it will be investing nearly $6.7 million in new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas across the country.
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The funding, the first part of the Government’s $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Program, is set to “improve road safety and productivity”, according to a press release from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, with Assistant Minister, Senator Carol Brown, stating that without truckies, Australia “stops”.
“We want to support our hard-working truck drivers to rest when they need to and keep freight moving safely and that’s why this government supporting new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas,” she said.
“Projects under this initiative will also create construction jobs and opportunities for local suppliers and businesses, boosting local economies and driving their growth.”
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In Queensland, the rest area facility at the eastern approach to Roma on the Warrego Highway will be upgraded with $1.12 million from the Australian Government and $280,000 from the Maranoa Regional Council.
In Tasmania, the truck stop upgrade on Glenstone Road/Strong Street at Bridgewater will be funded with $360,000 from the Australian Government and $90,000 from Brighton Council.
In South Australia, the $3.8 million Salt Creek Rest Area project will deliver five parking bays, a unisex toilet block, a metal shade structure and picnic tables.
The Australian Government is providing $3.04 million for this project while the South Australian Government will provide $760,000.
In Victoria, 35 Truck Informal Rest Areas (TIRAs) will be sealed and green reflectors installed on four highways within Gippsland, with $2.17 million from the Australian Government and $542,000 from the Victorian Government.
The Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Initiative is 10-year program that will see the Australian Government invest $140 million to support new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas. A Steering Committee has been established to ensure the road transport industry and drivers have a voice in the design of the initiative, with the committee being formed by five truck drivers, four industry representatives, and led by Senator Glenn Sterle.
The program will see the Federal Government provide 80 per cent funding for regional heavy vehicle rest areas and 50 per cent for urban projects.
Feedback can be given here on which rest areas need improving.