General News
22 January, 2025
Upgraded rest areas to boost safety and comfort
Truck drivers and the local community in Yarriambiack Shire are set to benefit from upgrades to nine existing rest areas as a part of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program (HVRAP).
These improvements, aimed to enhancing safety and convenience for truck drivers, highlight a significant investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.
The rest areas in Lascelles, Hopetoun, Beulah, Warracknabeal, Minyip, Rupanyup, and Murtoa, will be upgraded, according to Yarriambiack Shire Council CEO Tammy Smith.
“The planned upgrades include creating wider parking spaces to accommodate larger vehicles, improving the surfaces for better accessibility, and adding necessary signage to guide drivers effectively,” she said.
“As a Council we recognise the need for truck parking facilities to support our agricultural community and trasnport operators, and we welcome this funding initiative to support the upgrade of our parking locations.”
The Yarriambiack Shire project is the only one in Victoria funded under the HVRAP, alongside five others across Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
A joint investment from Federal, State, Territory, and Local governments, the total project cost is $47,000, with $32,900 contributed by the Australian government and $14,100 by the Yarriambiack Shire Council.
Chairman of the HVRA steering committee, Senator Glenn Sterle, said these projects demonstrates government’s dedication to improve driver safety.
“I am proud that the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative is boosting heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through new and upgraded rest areas,” he said.
Assistant minister for Regional Development, senator Anthony Chisholm said, “this latest $9.7 million investment in improved and new rest areas is another example of our action towards improving road safety,” he said.
“By investing in much-needed rest stops, we will ensure that our truckies spend less time on the roads and get home safely to their loved ones.”
The HRVA initiative allocates $140 million in federal funding over 10 years to build and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas.
This program aims to enhance road safety for heavy vehicle drivers and other road users by addressing the shortage of rest stops in critical locations.