3 years ago
REGIONAL ROAD SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
CATHERINE KING MP
The Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement last week of $398 million in state and federal funding for road safety fails when it comes to Australia’s truck drivers.
Talk to a truck driver, and they will tell you again and again that what they need are adequate, well planned and well designed heavy vehicle rest areas along our major freight routes.
Yet, once again the Morrison Government has failed to deliver.
Labor in Government built and upgraded 7,500km of road and established the first federal program to build extra rest stops across the country, ensuring more of our nation’s truck drivers could reach their destinations safely.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically highlighted the need and importance of Australia’s essential truck drivers, and they should have a seat at the table when it comes to allocating federal government funds towards road projects that will undoubtedly have an impact on them.
When it comes to regional road safety infrastructure projects, funding for fit for purpose heavy vehicle rest areas must be included.
Any infrastructure project that looks to improve road conditions and road safety in regional communities must include the consideration of rest areas for heavy vehicles.
Consultation with truck drivers on the design of these rest areas as well as where they should be located would be a perfect place for the Deputy Prime Minister to start.
Talk to a truck driver, and they will tell you again and again that what they need are adequate, well planned and well designed heavy vehicle rest areas along our major freight routes.
Yet, once again the Morrison Government has failed to deliver.
Labor in Government built and upgraded 7,500km of road and established the first federal program to build extra rest stops across the country, ensuring more of our nation’s truck drivers could reach their destinations safely.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically highlighted the need and importance of Australia’s essential truck drivers, and they should have a seat at the table when it comes to allocating federal government funds towards road projects that will undoubtedly have an impact on them.
When it comes to regional road safety infrastructure projects, funding for fit for purpose heavy vehicle rest areas must be included.
Any infrastructure project that looks to improve road conditions and road safety in regional communities must include the consideration of rest areas for heavy vehicles.
Consultation with truck drivers on the design of these rest areas as well as where they should be located would be a perfect place for the Deputy Prime Minister to start.