Warrill View, Palen Creek and Currumbin Creek Road facilities improved
Federal and state governments are making headway in upgrading driver rest areas on major road corridors in Queensland.
The jointly funded Rest Area Upgrade Program by the two governments aims to help improve road safety for drivers, encouraging them to take regular breaks.
Underlining the need for improved facilities for motorists, particularly heavy vehicle drivers, the partnership has seen upgrade works carried out across South East Queensland, including rest areas at Warrill View on Cunningham Highway, and Palen Creek on Mount Lindesay Highway.
Assistant road safety and freight transport minister Scott Buchholz said the government had allocated $12.66 million towards the jointly funded Rest Area Upgrade Program.
“The facilities are important for all motorists, including those on long road trips and for heavy vehicle drivers rest stops were part of the workplace,” he said.
“As a former transport operator, I appreciate the perspective of drivers in terms of wanting improved facilities and it is great that through our $3 billion Road Safety Program we have partnered with the Queensland Government to deliver improved rest stops, including for heavy vehicles in Queensland.
“These upgrades are going to provide better rest stops and increase capacity to encourage road users to stop, revive and survive.
“We know managing fatigue helps reduce the risk of crashes on our roads.
“I am proud to be part of a federal government that is investing in our transport industry and road safety with $12.66 million allocated towards $15.825 million in jointly funded rest area upgrades across Queensland.
“This is yet again another example of the federal government delivering on our commitment to reducing the number of Australians missing around the dinner table due to tragedies on our roads and providing greater capacity for all road users to take regular breaks.”
NSW progress on rest area upgrades, here
Queensland assistant regional roads minister Bruce Saunders said the upgrades included two heavy vehicle rest areas.
“Heavy vehicle rest areas at Warrill View on Cunningham Highway, and Palen Creek on Mount Lindesay Highway, have been regraded and sealed to improve the entry and exits,” Saunders said.
“The crew also completed minor road repairs at Warrill View.
“At Robert Neumann Park rest stop on Currumbin Creek Road, we’ve upgraded the facilities including a new play area for children.
“Driver fatigue is a killer on our roads, whether it’s long haul truck drivers or everyday families on road trips.
“Over the past five years, fatigue has played a role in crashes on Queensland roads that have claimed 31 lives and seriously injured 462 people.
“Modern and well-maintained rest areas encourage drivers to stop and take that break, so that’s why investments like this are so important.”