A key roadside rest area in Brunswick Valley will be upgraded to combat driver fatigue and boost road safety, thanks to $150,000 in funding provided through the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade Program.
Senator for New South Wales, Senator Perin Davey said she had no doubt that the improved rest stop at Yelgun would help save lives.
“For many motorists heading north to the Queensland border, this is the final leg of the journey and there is obviously a great temptation to try and power through it,” Senator Davey said.
“With all the beautiful scenery in the Brunswick Valley, it’s very easy to relax, lose attention, or even worse, fall asleep – so the site here at Yelgun is really quite important.
“This funding will support the hard-working Lions volunteers who put in their time and effort at this site, ensuring that motorists can grab a cuppa, have a chat and take a break while they refresh themselves.
In total, the Government is providing $7.2 million to upgrade 71 sites across the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the upgrades will help ensure motorists and their passengers can relax and revive in comfort.
“One accident, one injury, one death is one too many and no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Driver Reviver sites provide a place for safety and fatigue breaks for drivers and their passengers. The upgrades we are funding are aimed at making rest sites more welcoming and comfortable for drivers, to help them overcome driver fatigue and ensure they reach their destination safely.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the program is part of the Government’s record investment in life-saving road safety initiatives.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and our Government is doing what it can to ensure Australia moves towards ‘Vision Zero’ of zero deaths on our nation’s roads,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Initiatives such as the Driver Reviver program showcase what governments and communities can achieve when working together, as well as of course the role road users can play to ensure we all get home safely at the end of each trip.
“Our investments include the $3 billion Road Safety Program, $500 million Targeted Road Safety Works initiative and further funding for innovative road safety technologies and education campaigns.”
The Australian Government is working closely with states, territories and local governments to develop the National Road Safety Strategy 2021–30 to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
More information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives is available at www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.