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The recent developments concerning the funding of new heavy vehicle rest areas in Australia. At a meeting of the Albanese Government's Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, chaired by Senator Glenn Sterle, only nine proposals for rest area funding were submitted by state and local governments. Out of these, the committee deemed "five or six" as very worthy, while two were returned for additional information and one was rejected. Transport Minister Catherine King will decide which of the approved proposals will proceed. The Australian Government has allocated $140 million over ten years for this initiative, with funding distributed on an 80/20 basis for regional projects and a 50/50 split for metro projects. Senator Sterle expressed a desire for more activity from states and local governments in submitting proposals and mentioned an ongoing online survey asking truck drivers for their input on where new or improved rest areas are needed. The next committee meeting is scheduled for January, with the aim of distributing the funds promptly. Rod Hannifey, a committee member and president of the National Road Freighters Association, expressed hope that at least one proposal would be approved by the end of the year. He also highlighted the need for awareness about the program and its funding guidelines among state and local governments. Hannifey is advocating for the use of stockpile sites and green reflectors as cost-effective solutions, especially on less traveled roads, to enhance safety for truck drivers.