PICTURED: TWU NSW Secretary Richard Olsen joined Owner Driver Frank Black, Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Catherine King, NSW Minister for Roads John Graham and NSW Senator Tony Sheldon to announce the site of the long-fought for rest area in Western Sydney.
After years of campaigning from Transport Workers’ Union for a better deal for Truck drivers driving through Sydney, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced that land has been secured for a brand-new Western Sydney truck stop.
The timing could not be more urgent, as rest stop facilities are a major contributor to driver safety, and the notable absence of one in Western Sydney has been seen in accident statistics across the Sydney basin.
The new facility will have premium facilities to allow Truckies to take a rest, shower, have a meal or recharge, and is well-placed for drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.
The respective Governments will each contribute $40 Million to create the purpose-built rest stop.
Whilst we celebrate this news and commend the State and Federal Governments for taking action, selecting the site is only the first step towards seeing the job through.
We won’t take an eye off this project until it’s seen through to the end, and we’ll continue to advocate at every turn to make sure this premium facility is up and running as soon as possible. Truckies have waited long enough, and this Heavy Vehicle Rest Area can’t be delivered a moment too soon.
We’ll make sure to keep you updated as this project progresses.
TWU NSW Secretary Richard Olsen said,
“The union welcomes this first step by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.
“Securing the land is a solid first step towards the construction of Western Sydney’s first purpose-built, dedicated rest stop.
“Now we look forward to consultation with the NSW Government on the shape and infrastructure of this rest area. We will work together to ensure Truck Drivers get the very best facility to foster their health and safety.”
TWU Member and Owner Driver Frank Black said,
“As a long-distance Owner Driver for 30 years, I know firsthand how important these dedicated rest areas are.
“Dangerous industry pressures are a source of constant stress for Truck Drivers. The opportunity to rest properly after long hours on the road will be a lifeline for all drivers passing through the area.”
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said,
“Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.
“Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.
“By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”