More than 70 roadside rest areas across the country will be upgraded to help combat driver fatigue and keep people safe on our roads, thanks to $7.2 million in funding from the Liberal and Nationals Government.
The funding, provided through the Government’s Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program, will see upgrades rolled out at 71 sites to improve amenities and equipment such as shelters, picnic tables, power and water facilities, barbeques, parking, lighting and kitchen facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the upgrades will help ensure motorists and their passengers can relax and revive in comfort.
“One accident, one injury, one death is one too many and no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Driver Reviver sites provide a place for safety and fatigue breaks for drivers and their passengers. The upgrades we are funding are aimed at making rest sites more welcoming and comfortable for drivers, to help them overcome fatigue and ensure they reach their destination safely.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the program is part of the Government’s record investment in life-saving road safety initiatives.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and our Government is doing what it can to ensure Australia moves towards ‘Vision Zero’ of zero deaths on our nation’s roads,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Initiatives such as the Driver Reviver program showcase what governments and communities can achieve when working together, as well as of course the role road users can play to ensure we all get home safely at the end of each trip.
“Our investments include the $3 billion Road Safety Program, $500 million Targeted Road Safety Works initiative and further funding for innovative road safety technologies and education campaigns.”
National Director of Driver Reviver Australia Allan McCormac welcomed the Government’s Driver Reviver Site Upgrade funding initiative, saying it will greatly assist volunteers throughout Australia to support motorists to manage fatigue on long journeys, reducing the risk of crashes causing deaths and serious injuries.
“Driver Reviver has been operating in Australia for 30 years and community led by hard-working volunteers from many service organisations and community groups, who give up their own time to promote road safety by providing travellers with free beverages, snacks and conversation,” Mr McCormac said.
The Australian Government is working closely with states, territories and local governments to develop the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
