New truck rest area opens near Westbury

A new heavy-vehicle driver rest area has opened near Westbury for truckies on long-haul trips.

The new rest area includes seating, lighting and toilet facilities, with a second facility for Westbury slated to be built.

Another rest area is also set to be built near Devonport, with construction tenders currently being advertised.

The pair of projects was funded under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The state government chipped in more than $9.6 million for the rest areas, both valued at $12 million, while the Commonwealth covered the remaining funding.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said the feedback from truck drivers about the new rest stop had been positive.

“This new facility demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to delivering rest areas that support mandatory rest breaks for heavy vehicle drivers travelling on Tasmania’s major freight routes,” Mr Vincent said.

“We look forward to starting construction on the second Westbury rest area later this year, continuing to work with the Federal Government on the normal 80:20 funding model, and ensuring both facilities can meet the current and future demand of freight on the Bass Highway and continue to support Tasmania’s heavy vehicle industry.”

Federal Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, said truck drivers worked incredibly hard and deserved accessible places to stop and rest.

“This new rest area near Westbury will help drivers manage fatigue and get home safely to their families,” Ms White said.

“I’m pleased to see this investment delivered in Lyons, backing the drivers and freight operators who are so important to our local communities and economy.”