Truck drivers traveling on the Western highway towards Adelaide now have a safer and more comfortable place to stop, rest, and recover.
The Nhill Trailer Exchange has been upgraded with two new accessible female toilets, in addition to the existing male and unisex accessible facilities.
The Nhill Trailer Exchange accommodates more than 1,500 trucks a day on the Western Highway – the primary interstate route between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Established to allow truck drivers to efficiently exchange trailers and return to their home city, the Nhill Trailer Exchange plays an important role in freight logistics across southern Australia.
It improves logistics within our broader supply chain network, getting goods delivered quicker and safer.
Expanding the existing facilities block with dedicated female amenities will support safer and more comfortable journeys for female drivers, who now make up around 16 per cent of the road freight industry workforce in Victoria.
The investment also supports greater diversity across the freight sector by helping create more inclusive facilities, encouraging more women to take up opportunities in truck driving.
The $530,000 project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments through the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative.
The program is boosting safety and supporting the 2030 Road Safety Strategy which aims to halve deaths by 2030 and put us on a strong path to eliminate all road deaths by 2050.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“Accessible facilities throughout the state are essential to creating an inclusive and comfortable environment for all of our truck drivers in Victoria or passing through Victoria.”
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
“We have delivered a safer, more accessible rest area to give truck drivers a more reliable place to stop, rest and recharge.”
As stated by Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart
“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting safer and more inclusive freight networks by investing in practical improvements like these upgraded facilities at Nhill.
“By delivering dedicated female amenities, we’re helping ensure the industry is welcoming and accessible for a growing and diverse workforce.”
“This upgrade gives drivers a safer, more reliable place to stop along one of our busiest freight routes, ensuring they can take a break, manage fatigue and get home safely.”
