After three years of government promises to build a new dedicated rest area for truckies in western Sydney, the exact location of the proposed site was revealed at an industry and media event in Sydney today.
The barren six-hectare Erskine Park plot – five minutes from the M7 and 10 minutes from the M4 – is just a five minute drive west along Lenore Drive from the busy BP Eastern Creek adjoining a concrete precast plant for the Sydney Metro.
Details of when the rest area will be open for use and exactly what it will look like when finished weren’t available today.
According to the media release announcing the location, a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) survey of 800 truckies would help inform the facilities at the site.
“Overwhelmingly, long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers,” the statement said.
“Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.”
Big Rigs was told the opening date still could be a number of years away while a business case is done which includes the need for environmental assessments.
But the state and federal governments have committed $40 million each into the project, and when finished, it’s expected to be big enough to accommodate 100 trucks and trailers.
“It was an election promise and it is going to be delivered,” said former truckie, WA Senator Glenn Sterle whose voice helped sway the final location choice.
“This facility will provide up to 100 truck drivers a safe haven to pull over and manage their fatigue.”
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the safety of truckies is a priority for the Labor government and the quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that.
“We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep,” King said.
“These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.
“Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”
- For more industry reaction to the rest area site announcement, make sure you grab the March 14 issue of Big Rigs from the usual outlet.