The Australian Government has announced it will extend its funding towards the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP), an initiative to fund infrastructure projects that improve productivity and safety outcomes of heavy vehicle operations across Australia.
The Round Fix extension will provide $40 million per year from the 2021 to 2022 financial year onwards.
The commitment builds on the current $328 million investment from the 2013 to 2014 financial year to the 2020 to 2021 financial year.
Past funding from the HVSPP has allowed work to be done on Northam roads.
Funding from Round 5 funded the Northam Pithara Road upgrade to widen the Ballidu to Pithara carriageway to meet standards.
The HVSPP Round 5 funding contributed $4,050,000 towards the upgrade.
Also under round 5 funding was the addition of two designated truck rest areas which the government gave $425,000 towards the $850,000 works.
In December 2017, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, announced that Round Six of the HVSPP was open for proposals from 15 December 2017 to 30 March 2018.
State, territory and local governments are eligible to apply for funding for projects that will upgrade road infrastructure to improve heavy vehicle safety and freight efficiency, saving lives and reducing travel times for freight on Australia's roads.
The Australian Government will contribute up to 50 per cent of the total project cost to successful projects, up to a maximum of $5 million.
Proponents are encouraged to consult with industry and the community broadly on their projects to ensure industry priorities and community views are considered in the development of proposals.
Payments for all successful projects are made through National Partnership Agreements to state and territory governments.
Round Six of the HVSPP will provide funding of nearly $98 million between 2020 and 2021.
