The work of the Steering Committee for the Australian Government's Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative has been extended, with the Committee's terms of reference updated to extend its work through to 30 June 2025.
Truck drivers play a crucial role in Australia's economy and require access to rest areas with facilities such as parking, toilets, showers, drinking water and shelter. These facilities are also critical for combating driver fatigue, improving road safety and increasing productivity.
Since 1 July 2024, the Australian Government's $140 million HVRA initiative to construct and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas is being delivered through the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).
To deliver this commitment, the government will continue to work with truck drivers and the wider trucking industry through the HVRA Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee was set up to use the expertise of heavy vehicle industry members to ensure that rest areas delivered under the HVRA initiative achieve the best outcomes for truck drivers.
The Committee's main role to date has been to assess the strategic need of applications for funding under the HVRA initiative, you can find out more information here.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:
"Continuing the work of the HVRA Steering Committee shows the Albanese Government values the input of truck drivers, and other members of the industry, to inform decisions that will increase access to new or improved heavy vehicle rest areas.
"Heavy vehicle drivers play a vital role in keeping our country running, so using their shared knowledge and experience as members of the Committee will continue to deliver better rest areas in the best possible locations.
"I look forward to seeing what assessments the Committee puts forward to further improve the welfare of truck drivers so they can get home safe at the end of each trip."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle:
"I welcome the news that the work of the Government's Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee will continue following the extension of the committee's terms of reference.
"This group was established to ensure that those who have the steering wheel in their hands or who know the challenges drivers face have a seat at the table when making important decisions about where funding is directed to support vital rest area projects.
"I am extremely proud of the current committee and look forward to continuing to work with them as we work to deliver more rest areas for our essential truckies to help with them manage their fatigue.
"I encourage truck drivers to engage with the committee as well as local and state governments so we can continue to identify priority locations for rest area projects which could be funded through this program."
