Work has begun on a new $19.3 million road train assembly area known as ‘Truck Central’ in Berrimah, near Darwin, which is set to improve safety and productivity for heavy vehicles.
Truck Central is the first stage of a 90 hectare industrial precinct, bounded by the major heavy transport routes of Tiger Brennan Drive, Berrimah Road and Wishart Road in Darwin, Northern Territory. The project is a partnership between the Land Development Corporation and Ostojic Group.
A $5.5 million contract has been awarded to Territory company Norbuilt for the heavy vehicle inspection facility.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, said a contract had also been awarded for a heavy vehicle inspection facility to be built next to the assembly area – unique in Australia to enable the simultaneous inspection of three fully configured triple road trains.
“We are investing in this project to save lives and improve productivity for our freight industry, giving heavy vehicle operators a safer off-road option to park and reassemble load configurations, and improving access for safety inspections and registration checks,” Mr McCormack said.
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, said the project will create jobs for Territorians during and after construction, and ensure heavy vehicle operators across Northern Australia can reach their destinations safely.
She said the facility will also free up the Goyder Road inspection facility and ease traffic conflicts between motor vehicles and trucks.
“The Territory Government’s priority is to create jobs for Territorians and this jointly funded $19.3 million facility will help do that. This new road train assembly area will be a one stop transport
industry hub – to be known as Truck Central,” Ms Lawler said.
Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion said the transport industry underpinned economic growth in the state, making improved safety for heavy vehicle operators a priority.
“These kinds of projects play an important part in safely getting products and produce to market, as well as delivering essential items to regional and remote communities across the region,” Mr Scullion said.
Truck Central is located strategically for easy road train access in and out of Darwin without bypassing suburban and CBD locations. It is a short distance from Darwin port, the Marine Supply Base, Hudson Creek barge landings and other high freight users.
The Australian Government is contributing $9.65 million under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program toward the $19.3 million Darwin Regional Road Train Assembly Area and Heavy Vehicle Checking and Registry Station project, with the Northern Territory Government matching this contribution.
