Owners of Driver Reviver locations across the nation can now apply for a share of $7.3 million in Australian Government funding to upgrade their lifesaving rest sites and deliver new sites.
Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said Driver Reviver sites were critical places for drivers and road users to pull over, stop and have much-needed break, particularly on long journeys in regional areas.
“We have seen it in our region many times, the tragic loss of life and families, friends, communities left devastated after a fatal road crash.
“The impacts of road crashes are permanent, and they are gut-wrenching, that is why it is critical we keep road safety front of mind and Driver Reviver does just that.
“I call on Driver Reviver site owners and potential operators to come forward, check out the guidelines for Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Upgrade Program and make an application, this funding will allow those long awaited upgrades and the installation of new equipment to become a reality.
Mr Hamilton said rural road crashes account for more than 65% of the Australian road toll and the rate of serious road-related injury among residents in rural areas is nearly twice that of those in major cities.
“We know Toowoomba City and the greater region is a key link for freight and passenger vehicles, linking major capitals and regional centres – Toowoomba is where the Gore Highway, Warrego Highway and New England Highway meet.
“I am excited that this round of the program will also allow the establishment of new sites to expand the current network and reach even more road users.
“The sites are managed by volunteers from a wide range of service organisations and community groups, who give their time to promote road safety and help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and I look forward to seeing this program support them,” Mr Hamilton said.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said driver fatigue had been identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety factors that contribute to road trauma, being a factor in up to 30 per cent of all deaths and severe injuries on our roads.
“Driver Reviver sites are critical in tackling driver fatigue to make our roads safer, which is why I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to invest in the program,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.
“We have now committed a total of $8 million under the Driver Reviver Upgrade Program and $1.2 million is already out the door through the Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund.
“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.
“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.”
Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program is a targeted competitive grant round with applications closing 25 February 2021.
Further information, including application guidelines and submissions, is available at www.grants.gov.au. For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au
Ends.
