A truck driver who frequents the Bruce Highway contacted Big Rigs to share his concerns over the shocking state of this site, as he lobbies for authorities to install toilets.
Although the heavy vehicle interception site on the Bruce Highway at Federal is not a designated rest area, it is being used as one.
Scott Miles, who is now semi retired, says the site – located just south of Gympie, is being used as an open-air toilet.
“As soon as pull up, all you can smell is urine and when you look around all you see are dumps and toilet paper everywhere. It’s a real health and safety concern,” he said.
“And then towards Cooroy, on the highway, there’s a similar site and it’s just as bad.
“The site at Federal is a part time weigh station come truck rest area, that’s frequented by truckies and grey nomads, and general traffic when not being used as an inspection site. There are no signs saying trucks can’t park there.
Scott says he’s concerned the issue is only going to get worse now that the Gympie Bypass has opened.
“There is a Puma service station further down the road, about 5-10 kilometres away. But a lot of drivers bypass the servo and stop here instead. So this is where people pull up and have a rest and go the toilet. I can’t understand why they can’t put toilets there.
“Now that the Gympie Bypass is open, more people won’t stop at Gympie. They’re less likely to stop at the Puma Service Station too because they’d need to divert and go past roundabouts.”
Big Rigs contacted Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) about the issue, however said there is currently no funding or planning for facilities at the Federal interception site.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is aware of the concerns at the heavy vehicle interception site on the Bruce Highway at Federal, and is investigating options to improve hygiene at the site,” a TMR spokesperson said.
“TMR provides a number of truck stops and rest areas along the Bruce Highway, and there are also commercial operations such as service centres with toilet facilities.
“The nearest facility is the Traveston Service Centre, which is accessible to both northbound and southbound road users. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys and use appropriate facilities.”
Scott added, “That area is a real health concern and it doesn’t do anything for tourism either. It’s not a good look for the industry, and it’s not a good look for the government.”
The trouble is as they improve the highway they reduce the number of rest stops. And the one being talked about is 1.5 to 2 hours from. Brisbane. Simple as the highway is improved put in rest stops about every 2 hours apart.
This is so common across the whole of Australia. I have just returned from WA and every truck stop is littered with faeces in cloth rags or paper. When you pull up at a stop all you have to do is walk around to the passenger side of your truck and see a sea of white paper.