APPLICATION CALL FOR HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY FUNDING

THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is calling for funding applications for programs that improve heavy vehicle safety on Australian roads.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government had provided $5.48 million for safety projects for round five of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program.

“This funding is focused towards groups and projects delivering real safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and all road users,” Mr McCormack said.

“Projects or programs, education or awareness campaigns, or materials that increase safety awareness and compliance that are in need of funding and support should consider applying.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, which is why we’re asking groups to harness their collective knowledge to develop implementable, value-for-money projects.”

The HVSI program has delivered $17.3 million for 62 grants over the past four years.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said this round’s record funding of $5.48 million showed the Federal Government was serious about heavy vehicle safety.

“We’ve seen some great programs across the country benefit from the HVSI funding over the past four years,” Mr Buchholz said.

“I recently saw the benefits of a trial for a livestock unloading system at Kilcoy in Queensland.

“Elsewhere, projects such as a virtual reality program for learner drivers developed in Bendigo and information for caravan and RV drivers on how to share the road and rest areas with truck drivers are examples of great safety outcomes.

“The most recent round of funding will support heavy vehicle driver physical and mental health and wellbeing, and will provide pathways for operators and drivers to increase their awareness and ability to take proactive steps to address this increasingly important issue.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the HVSI program received 42 applications for funding last year and he looked forward to even more in the next round.

“This continues to be a great opportunity for the NHVR to work with safety-focused groups towards delivering a tangible safety outcome,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“I’m always encouraged by the diversity of stakeholder groups that put forward their ideas and their willingness to create solutions to make our roads safer.”

Applications for round five funding are open until 21 February 2020.

Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2020-21 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2023.

For more information or to view the Submission Guidelines visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi.