A $52 million freight hub has opened in Berrimah, Darwin, which aims to maintain on-road safety of trucks in the Northern Territory.
Truck Central is a master-planned industrial estate located at the crossroads of the region’s major heavy vehicle transport routes of Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road, as well as East Arm Port.
The estate includes three integrated transport infrastructure facilities, the Road Train Assembly Area (RTAA), Heavy Vehicle Inspection Facilities (HVIF) and the BP Truck Stop.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said Truck Central would increase the safety of NT’s road transport industry by providing the tools to reduce driver fatigue.
“As part of the Truck Central redevelopment, the Australian Government has worked with the Northern Territory Government to build important transport facilities,” Mr McCormack said.
“The recently completed RTAA is a three hectare concrete hardstand area with 55 large vehicle parking bays, accommodating triple road trains, B-Doubles and semi-trailers, and includes a concrete loading ramp.
“These are essential tools for drivers to meet their fatigue management requirements. They provide a safe environment for the short-term parking and reconfiguration of heavy loads.”
Truck Central also aims to significantly improve supply chain efficiencies as well as heavy transport safety and productivity, as the development allows for the clustering of businesses and services to support these heavy transport industries, delivering a one-stop transport industry hub.
NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, said the new development was a boon for the Territory’s road freight transport industry.
“Road trains are synonymous with the NT and the industry is a significant contributor to economic growth and jobs in the Territory,” Ms Lawler said.
“The Truck Central development required extensive collaboration between the private and public sectors, and I congratulate all those involved on delivering this hallmark facility for the Top End.”
Ms Lawler added that Truck Central also offers drivers a new BP Truck Stop and fuel station, providing modern and clean driver rest amenities, including a trucker’s lounge, shower facilities and dining area.
Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, said the Truck Central development demonstrated the benefits of the private sector, governments and industry working closely together.
“Truck Central is a welcome development for the road transport industry in the Territory,establishing a key transport hub at the crossroads of Darwin’s major heavy vehicle routes,” Mr Scullion said.
“The Australian Government is proud to have committed $9.65 million to the $19.3 million development of the RTAA and HVIF through its Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and congratulate the Northern Territory Government on their matching contribution to this important project.”
Truck Central was delivered through partnership between the Federal Government, the Northern Territory Government and the Land Development Corporation.
The next stage of Truck Central as a one-stop freight transport hub is also underway, with construction of the new Heavy Vehicle Inspection Facility scheduled to be completed in late 2019, weather permitting.
