The Australian Government has announced $45 million will be allocated to 19 high-priority rural and regional road safety projects.
Over $25 million will be shared by 14 projects under the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), with over $20 million supporting five projects under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).
The BRP supports upgrading old and worn timber bridges to modern structures that can take more weight, are better equipped for major weather events, and are safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The HVSPP supports improvements to roads used in freight routes, including the installation of intersections, widening roads, sealing roads and installing safety barriers – to increase the productivity and safety of heavy vehicle operations.
The BRP and HVSPP will consolidate into the Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) from 1 July 2024 – with an additional $50 million to be added to the new program.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, highlighted the importance of increased investment in road safety measures.
“Without our truckies, Australia stops. That’s why we are investing in keeping them safe on our roads,” Minister Brown said.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We all must do our part to ensure every road user gets home safely.
“We want to make our busiest freight routes safer for truckies and everyone using our roads.
“I am pleased to see another five projects come to life under the HVSPP, which will increase safety and reliability for the trucking industry across Australia while bolstering access through local rural communities.”