Owners of Driver Reviver locations across Leichhardt can now apply for a share of $7.3 million in Australian Government funding to upgrade their life-saving rest sites.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said grants are capped at $150,000 per site and could include upgrades such as better signage, new lighting, kiosks, shelter, amenities for road users and equipment for the operators of the site.
“Anyone who is taken a long trip across Queensland or even interstate knows just how quickly fatigue can creep up on you and how life-saving it can be to take a well deserve break, perhaps even switch drivers,” Mr Entsch said.
“That is the sort of road safety behaviour Driver Reviver sites promote, here in Leichhardt and across the nation, by providing much-loved amenities such as shelters and barbeques or just a cuppa with a sneaky bikkie or two over a chat to tackle fatigue.
“For a regional and remote area such as Leichhardt, these rest sites become even more critical as our communities, hard-working truckies and our families from other parts of the country depend on often long-slog trips to stay connected, travel to work or get our Aussie goods to markets.
“If there is one New Year’s resolution I encourage every Far North Queenslander to make, it is to take road safety seriously and do what they can to help keep themselves and others safe on our roads – including taking breaks when they need it, even if it adds another half-hour to their trip.
“Because that half-hour can be the difference between life and death, by ensuring they remain an alert driver who can respond rapidly to a situation on the road.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said nothing was more tragic than having someone taken away from their family, friends and community suddenly.
“The devastating impacts of road crashes are absolutely gut-wrenching, which is why it is so vital to keep road safety front of mind and on everyone’s radars through programs such as Driver Reviver,” Mr McCormack said.
“That is why I am proud to announce $7.3 million in grant funding now available under Round 2 of the Driver Reviver Upgrade Program, to allow existing Driver Reviver locations nationwide to upgrade amenities and install new equipment.
“It will also support the establishment of new sites to expand the current network and reach even more road users.
“Driver Reviver is a community program that has been operating in Australia for 30 years now, managed by volunteers from a wide range of organisations and community groups who give their own time to promote road safety and help reduce the road toll by providing travellers with free beverages, snacks and conversation.”
Applications close 25 February 2021.
Further information can be found at www.grants.gov.au and at www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au
