Edward River Council plans to request funding for the development of a rest stop through the Safer Local Roads and Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program.
Council had previously resolved to seek funding through the program for Saleyards Rd upgrades.
It is now expanded the application to potentially include a rest stop in the same precinct.
As the application is in the very early stages, specific details are not yet available.
Council has said the scope may evolve after consultation with industry stakeholders.
The decision to revisit a dedicated truck stop in Deniliquin comes as plans to revamp Hardinge St in Deniliquin continue.
Concept drawings presented to the community by Transport for NSW earlier this year, and revised in July based on local feedback, limit long and heavy vehicle parking along Hardinge St due to the inclusion of turning lanes and more traffic islands.
Transport stakeholders have raised concerns about access to amenities, and suggested alternate truck parking might need to be considered.
Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo president Leesa Muir said a dedicated truck stop in Deniliquin has been an industry wish list item for many years, with the Truck Show committee leading advocacy efforts.
“This did result in $400,000 being allocated for a truck stop when Edward River Council was formed through amalgamation.
“As a suitable location could not be agreed upon, the money was reallocated to other council projects in late 2019.
“But we still need to address that fact that between Kyalite and Deniliquin, Deniliquin and Hay, Deniliquin and Mathoura and Deniliquin and Finley, none of the truck stops has facilities.
“Industry stakeholders are particularly looking for an area that will provide toilet and shower facilities and a safe and quiet place to stop and rest, and which is relatively close to other amenities and food outlets in the town.
“The Deniliquin Truck Show & Industry Expo Committee is happy to continue to work with council on this project.
“We all need to work together to find a practical solution that suits both the transport industry workers and the community.”
Ms Muir said the transport industry drives a lot of employment in the Deniliquin district and the wider Riverina.
She said most transport workers who pass through the district only have access to limited informal truck stops, many of which are not weatherproof and offer no toilet facilities.
‘‘Deniliquin and district is a high heavy vehicle movement area, which is increasing all the time. Our region being a hub for renewable energy projects will require more freight into our district.
‘‘With fatigue laws for the transport industry, we need to ensure we provide a dedicated facility for rest breaks.
“We identified a long time ago that there is council land near the Deniliquin Saleyards and Rice Mill that could be suitable, if lighting and improved toilet facilities were provided.”
Based on discussions with the Saleyards Advisory Committee, council also intends to apply for funding for the reconstruction of Saleyards Rd.
It will include the reconstruction of 700m of road from Rice Mill Rd to Abattoir Rd and 150m from Abattoir Rd to the front of GrainCorp.
Council will also seek funding to cover the apron in front of the new amenities building and possibly the truck wash bay entrance.
The application is expected to be submitted later this month.
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