Rest stop progress?

JAMES GRAHAM

GREAT to see much-needed movement on improving truckies’ lot when it comes to the standard and numbers of rest areas along our major freight routes [see stories on pages 2-3].

Labor makes good on its pre-election pledge to give drivers a seat at the table when it comes to deciding how to spend $140 million, and NSW is also asking for truckies’ input on where they want to see more facilities in that state.

I hope I’m proven wrong, but note to NSW: I’m not sure if the installation of exercise equipment at Clybucca is the smartest choice. While improving drivers’ health is an important issue, no question, in reality they have far too many other pressures to deal with at present before concerning themselves with how many chinups they can muster in a 15-minute rest break.

Why not invest that money on tidying up dissued stockpile sites, or investing in Rod Hannifey’s green reflector initiative. Small outlays for a big difference.