Drivers to enjoy more rest areas in North Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is driving forward with its pledge to make Queensland Roads safer, with yet another heavy vehicle rest area on the Bruce Highway opening.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $1.3 million upgrade to the Mount Gordon rest area in Bowen was now in its final stages of completion and was available for use.

He said it came ahead of plans to commence construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area south of Koumala, and the commencement of upgrades to existing unsealed heavy vehicle pullover areas at sites north of Clairview, north of Gumlu, south of Bloomsbury and between Proserpine and Bowen before mid-2020.

“Motorists now have yet another safe place to stop, keeping them refreshed while on the road,” Mr Bailey said.

He said the Palaszczuk Government had delivered multiple rest area upgrades since first being elected, particularly in the Central and North Queensland regions.

“In addition to Mount Gordon, since 2015, some of the heavy vehicle rest stops we have delivered include the Capricorn Highway (Duaringa - Emerald), West of Duaringa, Capricorn Highway (Emerald - Alpha), Leichhardt Highway (Westwood - Taroom), and Theodore, Peak Downs Highway (Clermont - Nebo), Wuthung Road intersection, worth $1.3 million each,” Mr Bailey said.

“We also delivered upgrades to the Clermont - Alpha Road Belyando River rest area, worth $295,000.

“In addition, a new heavy vehicle rest area was opened at Kooltandra, near Marlborough, in 2017.

“The Heavy Vehicle Rest Area program has delivered more than 60 new or upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas, more than 20 new stopping places, as well as 17 upgrades, including livestock specific projects.

“To maximise user benefits, we are continuing to work closely with industry bodies and community groups to ensure rest areas support their needs.”

Mr Bailey said driver fatigue was recognised as one of the Fatal Five and a major contributor to the Queensland road toll.

“With more than 33,000 kilometres of highways connecting Queensland communities, it is vital for us to prioritise rest areas across the state,” Mr Bailey said.

“We are committed to providing rest areas for motorists as part of a holistic approach to the management of driver fatigue on Queensland roads.

“In addition, between Rockhampton and Townsville, we have four Driver Reviver sites along the Bruce Highway, at Yaamba, Waverley Creek, Bowen and Ayr.

“These sites provide roadside parking, with shade structures, seating and public toilet facilities, allowing motorists to stop, rest and revive before continuing their journey.”

Mr Bailey said the state government regularly published a Guide to Queensland Roads, which assisted motorists to plan their journey and identified the state’s rest area facilities.

There are 33 Driver Reviver sites across Queensland, with 13 located on the Bruce Highway.

They are located at Chevallum, Gunalda, Maryborough, Gin Gin, Granite Creek, Calliope, Yaamba, Waverly Creek, Mount Gordon, Ayr, Frances-Creek (Ingham), Tully Bilyana and Innisfail.

The other 20 sites are found at strategic locations on the Queensland road network.

The Guide to Queensland Roads is available at tmr.qld.gov.au, simply type 'guide to Queensland roads' into the search box and follow the links.

ENDS

Media Contact: Carmel Robertson, 0439 347 875