A project aimed at saving lives and reducing road trauma in Gippsland has been granted a share of funding under round five of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the funding would kick-start the transformative Local Truck Safety Networks Development Project, which is designed to improve road safety outcomes in Gippsland, particularly across the heavy vehicle industry.
“Moving towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on the roads is a key goal for the Federal Government, with the HVSI one of the many ways we are investing in road safety to help achieve that,” Mr Chester said.
“This round of funding will deliver this vital project across Gippsland, which was initiated by Safe Freight Networks Gippsland and Safe Freight Network of the Green Triangle.
“This project will build on works already being delivered in the Green Triangle to develop a safer road network using co-design principles, respond to crash data, identify road safety issues and unlock key road damage to vehicles data to inform road owners.
“This is a fantastic initiative and I look forward to seeing it progress to make a real difference for road safety in Gippsland.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding invested in 26 innovative projects nationwide that would deliver real safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users.
“The Australian Government takes road safety seriously, because no family should have to endure the utter devastation road crashes cause,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That is why it is absolutely vital we continue to invest in critical initiatives that improve road safety to save lives and reduce road trauma, including across our heavy vehicle sector.
“The 26 projects across the nation being funded this round target key areas such as developing or testing innovative new technologies, mental health support for drivers, educational campaigns and much-needed training and development.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said this latest round of funding built on the $17.3 million already provided for 62 grants under the HVSI program over the past four years.
“We’ve seen some great projects across the country deliver transformative results thanks to HVSI funding and I am proud to see this game-changing program continue,” Mr Buchholz said.
“Finding innovative ways to make safety front of mind for road users is key to supporting the Safe System principles – a holistic approach to road safety that underpins the National Road Safety Strategy agreed by all Governments.
“HVSI projects also highlight how each and every one of us has a vital role to play in promoting road safety, particularly when it comes to our heavy vehicles, with many of the initiatives led by and created for industry groups and communities.”
For more information on the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program and a full list of funded projects, visit https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/heavy-vehicle-safety-initiative.
