Over $4m in grants on offer in safety initiative

Submissions are now open for Round 9 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), with $4.4m in government grants on offer.

The HVSI, which is run by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, aims to support projects that improve safety across the heavy vehicle freight industry and supply chain. 

Submissions must directly address one of three themes – safer drivers, safer vehicles, or safer road use – by investing in driver or supply chain skills and training, vehicle safety technologies and improvements, or heavy vehicle educational tools and resources. 

The Australian government has committed $4.4m for this round of the scheme, with more than $38m invested into 153 initiatives over the previous rounds.

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, said: “The Australian Government is committed to making our roads safer, by supporting initiatives that address key issues in the transport and logistics sector and provide workable solutions. 

“More than $38 million has been invested into 153 initiatives over the previous rounds funded to date. 

“Previous rounds of the HVSI have funded crucial projects such as roadside health and wellness screening, online training programs, and increasing safety for vulnerable road users.”

She encouraged applications from any business or association involved in the heavy vehicle industry who are looking to address a safety gap or issue. 

“We look forward to investing in new projects that will continue to keep road safety front of mind, and in turn, reduce road trauma and save lives.” 

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM added: “At the NHVR, our goal is for Australia to have a safe, efficient, and productive heavy vehicle industry, and this new funding will support our work in doing just that. 

“We’re calling on groups that have a project, program, or campaign, that will increase compliance and promote safety on our roads and require funding or support, to submit an application.” 

Submissions are now open and close at 5pm AEST on February 19, 2024. 

The application form and project guidelines can be found at www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi.