The Australian Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have announced a new $4.2 million investment in heavy vehicle safety, funding 12 industry-led initiatives through Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
The latest round builds on nearly a decade of targeted safety work, with the program now supporting more than 181 projects since 2016 and delivering more than $45 million in Australian Government funding.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm said the new projects reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to reducing harm on the road.
“The Albanese Government is firmly committed to working alongside the NHVR and the heavy vehicle industry to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone,” he said.
“By investing in innovative projects that will deliver substantial road safety benefits, we’re furthering our commitment to reduce harm on Australian roads – for truckies and all users.”
He added that the HVSI program has already delivered “successful and lasting results” across the country over the past nine years, and the Government is proud to support initiatives that “increase safety awareness, education and compliance across the transport and logistics sector.”
Projects funded in round 10
- Hold on Heavy – SAGE Automation: AI adjusts traffic signals for approaching heavy vehicles to reduce intersection risks.
- Interactive Livestock Loading Calculator – ALRTA: Web-based tool to calculate optimal livestock loading patterns and generate compliance reports.
- AI-based Fatigue Monitoring System – CSIRO: Uses in-cab cameras and AI to detect fatigue indicators in real time.
- Heads Up Safe Route – Swinburne University: Identifies overhead and at-height hazards to prevent collisions with low structures.
- Compliance Co-pilot – NBTA: App providing real-time status checks for trailer connections and EBS compliance.
- FLEETPREDICT Wearable Fatigue Tech – WHG Telematics: Real-world trial of wearable fatigue devices to inform future guidance.
- Testing of Rigid Dollys on Roadtrains – ARTSA-i: Evaluates safety benefits of rigid dolly use under controlled conditions.
- Preventing Bus Rollaways – Bus and Coach Industrial Association NSW: Awareness campaign promoting park brake best practice.
- HVRAP 3.0: Livestock Transport – LBRCA: Develops enhanced rollover awareness training for livestock operators.
- Motum World Simulated Bus Driver Training – Motum Simulation: Expands simulation-based training for bus drivers.
- DRIVE S(AI)FE – Opposite: Combines AI and behavioural science for a holistic fatigue management approach.
- Safe Electric Trailers and Converter Dollies – Tiger Spider: Defines and tests safety standards for electric trailers and dollies.
NHVR: reducing fatalities remains a priority
NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie said reducing heavy vehicle crashes remains a central goal.
“In 2024–25, sadly we saw 190 lives lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles,” she said.
“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries from heavy vehicle incidents is the number one priority for the NHVR and there is still plenty to be done.
“Through this program, we can continue to engage with safety-focused groups to improve on these numbers and make Australia’s roads safer for everyone.”
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