New Rest Area Funding Boosts Safety for Regional Truck Drivers
Image Credit: Sander Yigin
Minister Release: The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Senator The Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development; Senator Glenn Sterle, Senator for Western Australia
The Australian Government is investing $3.6 million in four new projects to improve safety and comfort for truck drivers travelling on regional freight routes. The funding is part of the broader $140 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative, which has now supported 25 new and upgraded rest areas across Australia.
The latest projects include:
New parking, toilet blocks, and picnic shelters at the Kyeamba Rest Area between Yass and Albury.
A new female toilet block at the Nhill Trailer Exchange in Western Victoria.
Two new rest areas at Wiawera and Black Springs in South Australia, each with space for four vehicles, sheltered tables, and seating.
These upgrades aim to provide truck drivers with safe and comfortable facilities for their breaks, helping reduce fatigue and improve road safety.
Truck drivers are encouraged to contribute to future planning by completing the Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Survey. The survey takes less than five minutes and helps identify priority locations for future rest area developments.
This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting freight operations and enhancing road safety in partnership with state governments and industry stakeholders.
