Heavy vehicle projects vie for federal funding

The federal government has received more than 150 proposals for projects under its Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme (HVSPP).

State, territory and local governments have submitted a variety of project proposals for round four of the HSVPP, which aims to improve the productivity and safety of heavy vehicles.

A major objective of the HSVPP, which has been operating since 2008, is to enhance the capacity of existing roads and improve connections to freight networks.

Deputy PM and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said round four of the program will focus on projects that are well developed enough that construction can start this financial year.

Eligible projects will include upgrades to existing road infrastructure, building new rest areas and upgrading existing ones and technology enhancements for heavy vehicles.

The government will contribute up to 50% of each project’s cost and has allocated $200 million for the program for the next five years. In comparison, $120 million in funding was provided over the first three rounds of the program.

The infrastructure ministry has also received 270 proposals under the Bridges Renewal Programme (BRP) for projects to improve bridges serving local communities and facilitate access by larger vehicles.

The BRP is a new initiative and has been allocated $300 million in funding for the next five years.

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