Improving heavy vehicle productivity and safety across Australia
Heavy vehicle safety received another boost today, with Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack announcing 93 road upgrade projects will share in a total of $132.5 million in federal funding under Round Six of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Acting Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program has been successful at increasing the productivity and safety of heavy vehicles by building the capacity of existing roads and improving connections to the nation’s freight networks.
“One of the keys to the success of this program is the input of local knowledge to address local road issues. Of these 93 road projects, more than 60 per cent will be undertaken by local councils,” Mr McCormack said.
“By upgrading these routes and rolling out supporting infrastructure such as rest stops and parking bays, heavy vehicle operators across the country will enjoy safer, quicker and more productive journeys.”
Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz said the productivity improvements stemming from the more efficient movement of freight across the national road network would also provide all manner of industries with major benefits in terms of their ability to compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.
“The Australian Government’s commitment of $132.5 million in this round of the program will be matched by local councils and State and Territory Governments, delivering a total investment of at least $319 million towards these vital projects,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This program delivers improves heavy vehicle safety, which is why the Liberal and Nationals’ Government has committed $368 million from 2013 to 2022, with an ongoing commitment of $40 million each year following.”
Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Broad said the commitment to delivery safety initiatives to support the trucking industry was a critical and practical measure the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is taking to improve road safety.
“Getting locals and truckies home sooner and safer is a key prioirity of the infrastructure investment from the Liberals and Nationals around Australia,” Mr Broad said.
“For instance, today’s announcement means more than $3.7 million will be spent to improve heavy vehicle rest stops on the Murray Valley Highway, providing more opportunities for drivers to rest, making trips from paddock to port safer for truckies in regional Victoria, as well as on many similar projects around the nation.”
More on the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, including a full list of successful Round Six projects, is available at:http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/heavy_vehicle_safety_and_productivity.aspx
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