Heavy vehicle drivers and other motorists will benefit from a $1.75 million upgrade to a rest area between Walgett and Brewarrina in north-west New South Wales, set to begin early in 2025.
The Australian and NSW governments are working together to improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops in consultation with the road freight industry.
The upgrade to the Yambie Lagoon Rest Area, about 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina on the Kamilaroi Highway, will encourage rest breaks for heavy vehicle drivers on long trips.
Currently there are no toilet or rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres, or 75 minutes of travel time, in this remote location.
Heavy vehicle industry representatives were consulted in early 2020 to provide input into the proposed locations of future rest stop opportunities on the Kamilaroi Highway between Walgett and Bourke.
The $1.75 million project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and the NSW Government.
For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives or www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:
"Driver fatigue is one of the top three factors leading to fatal crashes on NSW roads, contributing to at least 21 per cent of heavy vehicle fatal crashes in regional NSW in the five years since December 2019.
"The Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program supported projects that aim to improve access to rest areas for drivers of larger vehicles, providing more opportunities to manage fatigue and their regulatory requirements.
"We have now established the new Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program - which merges the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Bridges Renewal Program with funding increased from $150 million to $200 million per year."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:
"Rural freight routes such as the Kamilaroi Highway through this region are essential for the movement of produce, livestock and other goods, and we respect that these corridors are the workplace of heavy vehicle drivers.
"This essential upgrade will transform the existing informal rest area on the eastbound shoulder of the Kamilaroi Highway heading towards Walgett and will involve building toilet and shelter facilities as well as picnic tables and extended parking for heavy and light vehicles."
Quotes attributable to State Labor Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence:
"This project will also provide similar facilities in a new heavy vehicle rest area on the westbound shoulder of the highway, ensuring there are facilities for traffic in both directions and eliminating the need to turn around to stop and rest.
"By providing opportunities for drivers to stop and have a break we are working towards reducing fatigue-related crashes on our road network in the far west region."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"I am no stranger to long drives, so I have personal experience of how inconvenient it can be to have to push through vast distances before you can pull over for a rest.
"Upgrading the Yambie Lagoon rest stop near Brewarrina will improve productivity for drivers of heavy trucks and reduce the likelihood of heavy vehicle crashes due to fatigue, but it will also benefit anyone who has to do the long haul in that part of the world.
"Work is scheduled to begin in early 2025, will ensure drivers ample space for a comfortable stop to rest and to manage fatigue on their trip."
Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O'Neill:
"All Australians have the right to efficient and safe roads. That's why the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that drivers in far west NSW have the facilities necessary to take a break."
"Less fatigue means safer transport and better outcomes for regional Australia."
