Another four projects have got the green light from the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative – but Senator Glenn Sterle wants to fund a lot more with truckies’ help.
The latest sites (see list below), approved by Transport Minister Catherine King to the tune of $3.6 million, brings the total spend up to around $40 million, spread across 25 locations around Australia.
But the federal government still has around $100 million left to invest over the next seven years.
Up to $5 million in program funding is available per project, with co-contributions to be provided by state or territory governments, private entities or other eligible Australian Government programs.
Sterle, who is Chair of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Committee in charge of sifting through applications, has started to visit some of the approved locations, including a new $1.9 million purpose-built rest area in Roma expected to open soon.
More than three years in, he admits it’s been a frustratingly slow process so far.
“If it was up to us, all the money would have been out the door and allocated for the next 10 years,” Sterle said.
“But because we’re at the behest of the states and the shires, it’s been frustrating, but we’re now seeing shovels being turned. Thank goodness.”
Sterle said a further seven locations had been approved by the committee at its most recent meeting, but are still awaiting ministerial sign-off.
Meanwhile, Sterle implored truckies to jump on to the department website to have their say.
The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and provides valuable insights to government for future projects to fund through the HVRA initiative.
“They [truckies] have the ability to make some recommendations – we’ve still got money to spend,” Sterle said.
The latest four funded rest area projects are:
• New parking, toilet blocks and picnic shelters at the Kyeamba Rest Area on the Hume Highway between Yass and Albury. Total cost: $2,437,533 (fund commitment – $1,218,766).
• Two female toilets at the existing toilet block at the Nhill Trailer Exchange in western Victoria. Total cost: $530,000 ($265,000)
• Construction of two new rest areas at Wiawera and Black Springs in South Australia, with each featuring space for four vehicles, sheltered tables and seating. Total cost: $2,240,000 ($1,120,000).