The relative scarcity of rest areas on many major routes – and the quality of the ones that are there – has long been a bone of contention for grey nomads who are constantly being urged not to drive while tired.
While there is still a long way to go in this regard, there are some signs that things might slowly be improving.
For example, work on a $255,000 upgrade to the Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area, located about 109 kilometres south of the NSW town of Cobar on the Kidman Highway, has just got underway.
It will apparently see the rest stop brought up to modern standards, with the toilet upgraded from the waterless composting facility currently in place.
The Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area is to receive an upgrade … and probably not before time!
This sparkling rest area – complete with toilet and shower facilities, gazebo, and barbecue area – opened a couple of years ago near Coolgardie in WA. PIC: Shire of Coolgardie
A non-working barbecue and a disused water tank will also be removed as part of efforts to improve the amenity of the rest area. There will also be work to improve drainage and the surface of the truck parking bay.
The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the Gilgunnia Goldfields upgrade would make a difference.
“I know the value of good quality roadside stops to local communities, tourism and freight operators,” she said. “Good amenities in remote rest stops can be the difference between life and death in helping long-distance drivers to better manage their fatigue.”
Indeed, research has consistently shown there is a link between the number of rest areas on a stretch of road and the number of fatigue-related accidents that it sees.
It’s clear though that it’s not just the number of places to stop that’s important, but the facilities they offer, their cleanliness, and their overall ambience.
The idea behind these areas is presumably to actually entice drivers to stop, and to stop for long enough to feel more refreshed and to be able to continue their journeys in a safe manner.
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We regularly stay at Gilgandra Rest Area on the Kidman Way when travelling North & South.
Its fine like it is, extensive parking away from trucks & the basic toilet is OK as it is
That should have read Gilgunnia not Gilgandra
Called in at Gilgunnia RA yesterday Saturday 27th July, works are now in progress.