Industry welcomes latest Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program details
Federal budget clarity and new-found infrastructure ministry savings are behind a 33 per cent rise in round six of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).
Then-infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester announced in December an initial $98 million for the round.
Present minister Michael McCormack now says 93 projects identified for funding will share in a total of $132.5 million, much to the joy of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).
It is understood the extra funds were identified after the federal budget was released, its details studied and other savings were found within the federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport.
Of the projects, 21 are for rest areas and parking and decoupling bays, with Western Australia gaining 10, New South Wales four, Queensland three Northern Territory two and Victoria and South Australia one each.
The 72 others are road enhancement projects, many of them for widening and strengthening and for sealing.
“This is a huge win for the ATA and our member associations,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire says.
“For a long time, we have campaigned for improved and more frequent rest areas, and it’s extremely rewarding to have locked down such significant funding.
“Earlier this year, I walked in the shoes of a truck driver and spent the night at a ‘best practice’ truck rest area in NSW. The noise was far too loud, and the bathroom facilities were poorly lit. Conditions that would unacceptable in any other workplace,” he said.
McCormack’s announcement also revealed the Australian Government’s commitment of $132.5 million will be matched by local councils and state and territory governments, for a total investment of more than $300 million.
The projects include the construction of a new major heavy vehicle rest area on the Golden Highway, a new heavy vehicle rest area at Young and installation of toilets and furniture at the Yalgoo rest area between Walcha and Uralla.
“Our roads and rest areas are a driver’s workplace and we have no chance of resolving fatigue if drivers are not provided with appropriate facilities to ensure a safe journey,” Maguire says.
“Having appropriate rest area facilities for heavy vehicles is not optional. It’s not nice to have; it is a fundamental requirement.
“Industry bodies and safety advocates like Rod Hannifey have campaigned on this issue for years, and I am pleased to see the government improving safety for our truck drivers across the country.
“Deputy prime minister McCormack understands trucking and the important role it plays in the Australian economy.
“Together with government, industry and the wider community, we can work together to make our roads a safer place for everyone.”
The announcement also pleases the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
“This is another important investment in heavy vehicle safety,” CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“The latest statistics from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics show that investment in heavy vehicle safety is leading to better outcomes for the industry.
“There were 191 fatal crashes in 2017-18. While this is their lowest level on record it’s still a sad figure, highlighting just how much work is still needed to make roads safer for heavy vehicle drivers.
“To continue this downward trend will require the combined efforts of all in the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain.”
Read how aspects of the federal budget were received, here
McCormack says the program has been successful at increasing the productivity and safety of heavy vehicles by building the capacity of existing roads and improving connections to the nation’s freight networks.
“One of the keys to the success of this program is the input of local knowledge to address local road issues,” McCormack says.
“Of these 93 road projects, more than 60 per cent will be undertaken by local councils.
“By upgrading these routes and rolling out supporting infrastructure such as rest stops and parking bays, heavy vehicle operators across the country will enjoy safer, quicker and more productive journeys.”
In his first intervention in his first portfolio, assistant minister for roads and transport Scott Buchholz says the productivity improvements stemming from the more efficient movement of freight across the national road network would also provide all manner of industries with major benefits in terms of their ability to compete more effectively in domestic and international markets
“The Australian Government’s commitment of $132.5 million in this round of the program will be matched by local councils and State and Territory Governments, delivering a total investment of at least $319 million towards these vital projects,” Buchholz says.
“This program delivers improves heavy vehicle safety, which is why the Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $368 million from 2013 to 2022, with an ongoing commitment of $40 million each year following.”
Assistant minister to the deputy prime minister Andrew Broad also chines in, saying the commitment to delivery safety initiatives to support the trucking industry was a critical and practical measure to improve road safety.
“Getting locals and truckies home sooner and safer is a key priority of the infrastructure investment from the Liberals and Nationals around Australia,” Broad says.
“For instance, today’s announcement means more than $3.7 million will be spent to improve heavy vehicle rest stops on the Murray Valley Highway, providing more opportunities for drivers to rest, making trips from paddock to port safer for truckies in regional Victoria, as well as on many similar projects around the nation.”
More on the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, including a full list of successful Round Six projects, can be found here