Three new heavy vehicle rest stops will be installed along the Newell Highway, from Coonabarabran to Boggabilla, if the Liberal and Nationals government is re-elected in the upcoming federal election.
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A re-elected Liberal and Nationals' Government will spend up to $6 million on three new heavy vehicle rest stops - a northbound and a southbound rest stop between Coonabarabran and Narrabri and a third rest stop northbound between Moree and Boggabilla - on the Newell Highway.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the new facilities will help improve freight productivity and road safety in his electorate.
"I am very pleased that under the Newell Highway Upgrades program, the Liberal and Nationals' Government has committed to spending up to $2 million each on three new heavy vehicle rest stops in the Parkes electorate," Mr Coulton said in a statement.
"The Newell is a key thoroughfare for heavy vehicles transporting freight to and from market. These new rest stop facilities will go a long way to ensuring our truck drivers and motorists take a break when they need it."
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Moree Plains Shire Council mayor and member of the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy steering group Katrina Humphries said safety on the Newell is paramount.
"The Newell Highway is such an important trunk route for eastern Australia, and it needs to be as safe and efficient as possible," she said.
"I thank the Federal Liberal and Nationals' Government for this commitment and the ongoing consultation."
Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said that investing in key infrastructure in regional Australia across Australia brings benefits to all.
"We know how vital it is for our hard working truck drivers to have somewhere to rest and to have decent facilities," Mr McCormack said.
"This investment is yet another part of the Liberal and Nationals' vision to get people home sooner and safer, no matter where they live.
"By making our transport network more efficient, local businesses have more money to invest in their operations, creating more jobs and providing a vital shot in the arm for agriculture and small business, which are so important to the region.
"We are able to make these important investments in community infrastructure because of our responsible economic management that will deliver a budget surplus."
