The Federal and Western Australian Governments will each provide $4.7 million to build even more and better roadside facilities for the thousands of long distance truck drivers that use the State’s highways every day.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the new money will be used to fund upgrades to eight existing rest stops, build three new rest stops and construct two new layover bays, providing drivers with more opportunities to take a break or reconfigure their trailers.
“These projects have been approved under the $240 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and build on the 43 projects which have already received funding,” said Mr Albanese.
“Established by this Labor Government shortly after coming to office in late 2007, this Program is the first ever significant Federal response to the lack of safe, modern rest stops along the nation’s highways.
“Fewer fatigued truck drivers behind the wheel makes our roads safer for everyone.
“What’s more, in the coming years the local trucking industry will also benefit from our unprecedented investment in the State’s highways and the creation of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal which has the powers to stamp out unsafe work practices and make sure drivers get a fair go.”
Attached is a full list of approved projects and a map showing their locations.
Western Australian Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the projects were selected following consultation with the trucking industry.
“Today’s announcement is a good example of the Federal and State governments working together to make the local trucking industry even safer and more productive,” said Mr Buswell.
“In addition to new and upgraded rest stops and layover bays, the funding will also be used to enlarge the road train assembly area at Wubin, some 25 kilometres north of Perth, in response to the growing demand being place on it.
“In addition, we will improve access for trucks to the new Katanning Regional Saleyards by building a new intersection on the Kojonup-Pingrup Road.”