There are fears for Flynn truckies and road users following the Federal Government’s scrapping of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Federal MP Colin Boyce said the Labor Government’s decision to slash funding and then axe the HVSPP could have devastating consequences in regional communities.
Mr Boyce said Labor failed to understand the critical role Australian road networks provide in driving national economic growth and prosperity.
“In its first 18 months the Albanese Labor Government has taken the axe to road funding and now Labor is planning to abolish yet another road program specifically designed to support regional communities,” Mr Boyce said.
“Everywhere you look, State and Federal Labor has ruthlessly taken money out of Flynn road projects to fund Labor’s pet projects such as live music arenas and sports stadiums.
“These road funding schemes have been critical to Flynn which have enabled projects to take place.
“There is a real risk Labor’s cuts and changes to road funding programs will result in less focus on road transport priorities and the needs of our truckies being ignored and forgotten by the Albanese Government.”
Flynn projects that have been previously funded by HVSPP include:
• Heavy vehicle detour route, Theodore.
• Productivity enhancement package – Gregory Highway between Emerald and Clermont.
• Goovigen Connection Rd – rehabilitation and safety upgrade.
• Biloela Heavy Vehicle Bypass – Dunn Street and Quarrie Road, Biloela – realign, strengthen and seal.
• Macquarie Street, Gracemere – widen and strengthen.
• Boongary Road Upgrade, Kabra.
• Dawson Highway – Gladstone-Biloela upgrade, Dumgree.
The program was created as a specific grant program to support the productivity and safety of truck drivers by funding rest areas, overtaking lanes, and technology trials.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Albanese Government is either blind or careless to the major and disruptive flow on effects its decision-making will cause.
“By cancelling the HVSPP, the safety of our truck drivers and everyday road users is at risk as they face longer routes and further decay on our already crumbling roads,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This will pull the handbrake on industry productivity and the ability to move goods safely and efficiently from farms and factories to ports across our great nation.
“The government did not consult with the trucking industry before taking the decision to scrap this program.
“The Labor Government has failed to guarantee our trucking industry will not be left worse off as a result of these changes.”
