Braidwood in Eden-Monaro has received Australian Government funding to install much-needed signs promoting road safety messaging and raising awareness of life-saving rest sites.
Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said the funding was fantastic news for communities right across Eden-Monaro, with many locals set to start travelling again as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
“One Driver Reviver site in Eden-Monaro has received federal funding to invest in high-impact signs raising awareness of nearby rest facilities and keeping road safety at the front of drivers’ minds,” Senator Molan said.
“This will support their vital work providing a much-needed break and cuppa for our drivers, their families and friends, which helps keep all our road users safe by tackling driver fatigue.
“This comes at a critical time for these Driver Reviver sites, which will start opening to the community again as COVID-19 travel restrictions ease and more people get back on our roads, including for long trips during peak holiday periods.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government had provided funding for 34 Driver Reviver locations across the nation.
“The impacts of road crashes are devastating to all and no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That is why we are continuing to invest in critical projects to improve road safety and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries from road crashes in Australia.
“This vital funding has gone towards 34 Driver Reviver sites from across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia to help keep people safe on our roads.
“We are proud to be supporting Driver Reviver to ramp up their life-saving work and I encourage all motorists to stay vigilant on our roads and make use of these vital facilities to take the breaks they need to reach their destinations safely.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said driver fatigue has been identified as one of the ‘Fatal Five’ road safety factors that contribute to road trauma, contributing to up to 30 per cent of all deaths and severe injuries on our roads.
“That is why we are investing in Driver Reviver sites across the country, with $1.2 million already committed through the Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund and a total of $8 million committed to the Driver Reviver Site Upgrade program,” Mr Buchholz said.
“The second round will open later this year to make further funding available for broader Driver Reviver upgrades, prioritising bushfire-affected sites and establishing new locations to expand the program to support an ever greater number of motorists.
“Through road safety programs like this we are also backing our hard-working truck drivers, who have been working around the clock to keep our nation moving and shelves stocked during COVID-19, by providing them with the infrastructure they need to get around safely.”
Driver Reviver Australia director Allan McCormac welcomed the funding, saying it was a vital time to increase awareness of Driver Reviver site locations.
“This funding is fantastic news for the Driver Reviver program and couldn’t come at a better time, with many of our sites looking forward to re-opening and once again welcoming drivers and their
passengers as COVID-19 restrictions ease,” Mr McCormac said.
“Driver Reviver sites are a well-recognised feature during Aussie road trips, operating for 30 years to provide travellers with free beverages, snacks and conversation with a friendly local as they take a break.
“The Australian Government’s continued financial support to back this important work acknowledges the tangible difference community groups and governments at all levels make when working together to keep people safe on our roads.
“It also recognises the hard work of our many volunteers from a wide range of service organisations and community groups, who give up their own time to make the program possible.”
A full list of Round 1 grant recipients is available below or at https://www.grants.gov.au.
For more information on the Australian Government’s road safety initiatives, including the Office of Road Safety, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.