New heavy vehicle rest areas for central Queensland

Four new heavy vehicle rest areas will be built in central Queensland as part of the Bligh Government's commitment to combat driver fatigue, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt, who will join Premier Anna Bligh and his Cabinet colleagues at this weekend’s Community Cabinet meeting in Gladstone and Tannum Sands, said managing heavy vehicle driver fatigue was one of Main Roads' key priorities and vital to reducing the state's road toll.

"Main Roads recognises the important role the trucking industry plays not only in connecting communities, but in driving Queensland's economic performance and prosperity," Mr Pitt said.

"For these reasons, when the government helps the trucking industry to do its job, everyone benefits.

"Providing more rest areas for heavy vehicle drivers improves safety for all road users, and I’m pleased Main Roads is working with the trucking industry to develop this aspect of our fatigue management strategy."

The rest areas announced today will be constructed during the 2009-10 financial year, at the following locations:

·Burnett Highway, between Goomeri and Ban Ban Springs

·Leichhardt Highway, between Banana and Dululu

·Capricorn Highway, between Duaringa and Dingo

·Gregory Developmental Road, between Belyando Crossing and Charters Towers.

Mr Pitt said the rest areas were being funded by the Queensland Government's camera detected offence program.

"The Bligh Government has committed $5 million from red light and speed camera revenue that will be specifically dedicated to developing heavy vehicle rest areas during 2009-10," he said.

"Currently, $900,000 has been allocated for the rest areas on the Burnett and Leichhardt highways, and $800,000 has been committed for the rest areas on the Capricorn Highway and the Gregory Developmental Road."

Mr Pitt said the federal government had also committed to fund five new rest sites on the Warrego Highway and 10 new sites on the Bruce Highway from 2009-10 to 2013-14.

Mr Pitt said Community Cabinets were part of the Bligh Government's commitment to listening to Queenslanders’ concerns on their own home turf: “It is part of taking on board their views as the Premier and Government plan for the future.”

Note. A map showing the location of the four new heavy vehicle rest areas is available

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819