HVRA funding sees new and upgraded rest areas

The latest release of the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative will fund six new projects in New South Wales and Western Australia.

The projects are part of a $20.9 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Albanese Government contributing $10.04 million.

Projects funded through HVRA’s sixth tranche include new rest stops with facilities such as showers, toilets, lighting and expanding parking bays to accommodate more heavy vehicles.

The HVRA is designed to address the shortage of heavy vehicle rest stops on the road network and has seen the Australian Government committing $140 million over 10 years to build new heavy vehicle rest areas and upgrade existing ones.

The funded projects are:

Central Darling Shire Council, NSW (Design and upgrade of the Halfway Tree Rest Area on Cobb Highway).

Narromine Shire Council, NSW (Design and upgrade of the Narromine Heavy Vehicle Rest Area).

Shire of Plantagenet, WA (Upgrade to the Rocky Gully Heavy Vehicle Rest Area).

Shire of Victoria Plains, WA (New rest area at Calingiri).

Commissioner of Main Roads, WA (Upgrade to the Cranbrook Heavy Vehicle Rest Area with eight new truck parking bays and improved solar power facilities).

Commissioner of Main Roads, WA (New heavy vehicle rest area on the Eyre Highway at Mundrabilla).

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm said: “This latest $10.04 million investment in improving and delivering new rest areas reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to improving road safety.

“Delivering these much-needed works for rest stops across New South Wales and Western Australia will ensure that our truckies have more regular access to rest areas along their routes.

“I thank the HVRA Steering Committee for their hard work in guiding the process and supporting these critical works needed to ensure the safety of all travellers.”

Chair of the HVRA Steering Committee, Glenn Sterle, said: “The Albanese Government is committed to keeping our truckies, freight operators and other road users safe.

“These works will help all road users but most importantly, our truckies manage their fatigue as they work hard to keep our country moving.

“I congratulate the proponents for submitting their applications and thank the members of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee for the role that the have played.

“I encourage all state and territory governments as well as local councils to get involved in the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative by identifying projects that can be supported by this very important program.”

WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said: “In a state as big as Western Australia, road freight is absolutely essential to the economy, and this investment will ensure truckies have better facilities on the road network.

“By partnering with the Albanese Labor Government, we’re getting on with the job of delivering these critical projects, which will improve the efficiency of our freight movement and make the journey safer for our truck drivers.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said: “The Minns Labor Government welcomes the continued investment in keeping truck drivers safe on our roads.

“These rest areas are a vital part of the road safety picture – giving drivers safe, reliable places to take a break and manage fatigue.

“I’m pleased to see funding coming to the Central West, including upgrades at Narromine and on the Cobb Highway. Both are key freight routes that keep NSW moving.

“We know that truck drivers are the lifeblood of regional NSW. Investing in safer, more comfortable rest areas means safer roads for everyone.”

Visit the HVRA initiative site.