Australia, Transport News

Truckies’ opinions sought on rest area upgrade project

A survey has been opened for truckies to share their thoughts on the state of rest areas around the country ahead of government upgrades

The federal government is seeking feedback from the national community of truck drivers on the state of the nation’s rest areas, and is calling for opinions on both what rest areas are in need upgrading and locations where new rest areas sgould be constructed.

$140 million has been committed to the heavy vehicle rest areas (HVRA) project over the next ten years. The project will be managed by a steering committee that is chaired by Senator Glenn Sterle and includes five long-haul truck drivers and four industry representatives.

Administrative changes have also been made to the criterion for HVRA funding, which will allow funding to be used as a co-contribution, and will allow projects with changed scope, timeframe or cost to not need to be resubmitted as a new project.

All details of administrative and criterion changes can be found here.

Committee chair Glenn Sterle says the funding for the nation’s rest area network is a deserved investment in Australia’s hard-working trucking industry.

“Our truckies’ commitment and dedication to keeping communities connected and supplied has shone throughout the pandemic and then a series of natural disasters like the floods in Fitzroy Crossing, when they took on the challenge of driving an extra 4,500 kilometres to get supplies to flood affected communities,” Sterle says.

“Progressing our $140 million funding commitment for rest areas will be welcome news for the heavy vehicle drivers who are so vital for keeping our country running – filling in gaps in the network.”

Applications to the HVRA can be submitted year-round, with new proposals from state, territory or local governments to be assessed in accordance with the updated guidelines.

The heavy vehicle rest area survey is accessible here.

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