A Tasmanian roadhouse owner is concerned that a decision by the Department of State Growth to place no stopping signs outside his business will have a negative impact on the number of truck drivers who stop there.
The Sidmouth Roadhouse and General Store is located beside the Batman Highway in northern Tasmania.
The Batman Highway connects the eastern and western sides of the rich Tamar Valley and is busy with trucks and other traffic.
Roadhouse owner Joseph D’Costa told Big Rigs on June 11 that a State Growth officer had been there that week to measure up an area where the signs will be placed.
“We get between 30 and 40 trucks a day stopping here and I am told the drivers will now have to park 100 metres away and walk. That will impact how many will come here,” Joseph said.
He added that the business employs 12 staff and is open from 5.30am to 7pm every day.
“A lot of the truckies stop and order chicken, burgers, fish and chips and other food. Another favourite is our hot cashew nuts. Until now they can park out the front and on both sides of the road,” he said.
Drivers also can pick up a copy of Big Rigs when there.
The concerned owner said that a lot of log and concrete trucks pull up, along with many carrying general freight.
Joseph fears that some of the drivers will be reluctant to walk so far.
“I wasn’t even consulted until the person from State Growth arrived,” he said.
I have been there numerous times in the past 20 years and mostly found lots of trucks parked in close proximity.
The truckies I had spoken to said the business provided good food and service.
Joseph is originally from Bangladesh and came to Australia 15 years ago.
He has been at the business for more than two years.
Big Rigs contacted State Growth for comment and a spokesperson said: “No Stopping signs are being provided on the eastbound side of the road [outside the hall] on the lead into the heavy vehicle rest area.
“It was found that some people have been parking at the entry point into the parking lane, making it hard for heavy vehicle drivers that want to use it. None of the heavy vehicle parking lane itself will be affected by the signs.”
Should be called Dept of No Growth.