New funding available to create safer local roads

Applications are now open for Round Six of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt encouraged local councils to work with local residents and industry stakeholder to identify and priorities upgrade projects and submit an application.

“This is a great initiative with a long history of success in delivering safer, more productive heavy vehicle operations,” Mr Pitt said.

“Funding available under the HVSPP is generous with the Australian Government providing up to $5 million to cover 50 per cent of the total cost of each project.

“Projects funded under previous rounds of the HVSPP program in Hinkler include the extension of Kay McDuff Drive to the Ring Road in Bundaberg.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the Australian Government was providing state, territory and local government’s access to $98 million to fund upgrades that will improve heavy vehicle safety and freight efficiency.

“Better road and heavy vehicle infrastructure means better productivity and safer roads,” Mr Chester said.

“Round Six follows the almost $190 million already provided by the Australian Government over the previous two rounds to help fund more than 135 projects across the national road network in the past three years.”

Successful projects have previously included the construction of extended acceleration lanes from heavy vehicle rest areas, major intersection upgrades, sealing and road widening works, and road realignments.

In this round, the application period has been extended to 15 weeks to provide applicants with enough time to prepare proposals.

The HVSPP is open for applications until 30 March 2018.

For more information head to: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/heavy_vehicle_safety_and_productivity.aspx