Around 800 truckies have let the NSW state government know what type of purpose-built rest area facility they’re after to plug the glaring gap in the Greater Sydney network.
The drivers were responding to an online callout last year for ideas after NSW Roads Minister John Graham flagged an urgent need to build a new location in Western Sydney.
Currently there are limited rest areas that are fit for purpose for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180km and nearly two hours driving – with the ‘Dust Bowl’ also now out of commission due to road works in the area.
According to a new engagement report, safety and security topped the needs of the online respondents, including the safety of female drivers and provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for them.
Drivers also raised the need for adequate lighting and security, including CCTV cameras, and a preference for separate parking bays for sleeping and long rest breaks, particularly at night.
Industry feedback, however, suggests drivers and operators were not supportive of a user-pays model, although a small fee might be acceptable for the use of facilities such as a hot shower and overall higher quality, dedicated heavy vehicle driver site.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said options for a proposed rest area are now being considered across six local government areas including Blacktown City, Penrith City, Fairfield City, Liverpool City, Camden and Campbelltown City.
That’s the same message the state government was giving in September, 2023.
No fixed timelines have been released for when construction might begin, but Big Rigs understands that Scott Hannah’s proposed Eastern Creek site, which is owned by the state government, could be one of a number of locations being considered.
“We encourage members of the industry to work with Transport for NSW as suitable sites are identified as part of our investigations,” the spokesperson added.