Applications open for Driver Reviver funding
Operators of Driver Reviver locations across Wide Bay can now apply for a share of $3 million in Australian Government funding to upgrade their life-saving rest sites.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the Driver Reviver program played an essential role in improving road safety across the country, providing a safe place for drivers and their passengers to stop and refresh along their journey.
“Driver Reviver sites are a well-recognised feature on the roads through Wide Bay, offering a quick stop for a free tea or coffee and a chat with a friendly local, and this first round of funding has $3 million available for these sites to install new signage to raise awareness,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Driver Reviver program makes a proven contribution to road safety, reducing the risk of death or serious injury by preventing fatigue.
“This funding is available at a critical time for these reviver sites because we can expect an increase in road traffic and intra-state road travel as COVID-19 travel restrictions ease.
“I strongly encourage all site owners in Wide Bay to get their applications for funding as soon as possible, because it’s critical to keep investing in projects like these that promote road safety.”
Driver Reviver has been operating in Australia for 30 years and community-led by hard-working volunteers from many service organisations and community groups, who promote road safety by providing travellers with free beverages, snacks and conversation.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said Driver Reviver sites were important to tackle driver fatigue to make our roads safer.
“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,” Mr Buchholz said.
“That is why we are investing in Driver Reviver sites across the country, with $1.2 million already provided through the Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund, $3 million in this grant round. The second round of funding will make a further $5 million available for even broader on-site upgrades, prioritising bushfire-affected sites and fitting out new sites to expand the program.
“Funding better signage and amenities for Driver Reviver locations to encourage drivers to stop and take a break will help tackle driver fatigue to reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
“This all forms part of the Australian Government’s continuing commitment to improving road safety to help us move towards fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.”
The first round is a demand-driven grant round and applications close 29 May 2020.
Further information, including application guidelines and submissions, is available at www.grants.gov.au
