The Federal Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are funding 12 industry-led projects through Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
The Australian Government has invested over $45 million across 181 HVSI projects since the program’s inception in 2016, delivering safety improvements across the country’s heavy vehicle industry.
This current round of HVSI projects has received $4.2 million in funding.
These safety projects come at a time of rapid growth for the trucking sector, as the country’s road freight task is expected to grow by 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050.
These incoming HVSI projects will address demand increases and unique industry challenges, delivering tangible safety improvements for the transport and logistics sector by developing crucial educational campaigns and innovative technologies.
One such example of these projects is the ‘Hold on Heavy’ project, which will develop scalable AI technology to dynamically adjust traffic signals for approaching heavy vehicles to extend red or green phases and reduce the risk of intersection.
“By investing in innovative projects that will deliver substantial road safety benefits, we’re furthering our commitment to reduce harm on Australian roads — for truckies and all users,” said Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm.
“We know the HVSI program has delivered successful and lasting results across the country over the last nine years, and the impacts have been transformative for this crucial industry.”
NHVR CEO, Nicole Rosie, expressed further support for the HVSI, particularly in the face of nearly 200 heavy vehicle road accidents in the last year.
“In 2024-25, sadly we saw 190 lives lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles,” she said.
“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries from heavy vehicle incidents is the number one priority for the NHVR and there is still plenty to be done.
“Through this program, we can continue to engage with safety-focused groups to improve on these numbers and make Australia’s roads safer for everyone.”
