Heavy Rest Area Grant Funding (SLRIP)

Heavy vehicle rest area funding now sits within the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program. Here's what's eligible, what each applicant type can claim, and what you need before the round closes on 31 January 2027.

Program snapshot

About: heavy vehicle rest area builds and upgrades, funded under SLRIP
Who can apply: local, state and territory governments
Mandatory: every project must deliver a road safety outcome
Funding cap: up to $5m per project
Local government-led projects: up to 90% (remote) / 80% (regional) / 50% (urban)
State/territory-led projects: Commonwealth funds up to 50%, any location
Round closes: 5:00pm AEDT, 31 January 2027
Apply: via the RPM portal
Required at submission: evidence your co-funding is secured

Who is the HVRA initiative for?

Local Governments

Up to 90% of total cost for projects in remote areas
Up to 80% in regional areas
Up to 50% in urban areas
Cap: $5m per project

State / Territory Road Depts

Commonwealth funds up to 50% of total cost, any location
Cap: $5m per project

Applies to both: your co-contribution must already be secured when you submit, and in-kind contributions cannot be accepted.

What projects are eligible?

Funding is for projects that provide safe, accessible rest locations for heavy vehicle drivers to manage fatigue. Every project must also deliver a road safety outcome. Eligible project types include:

Formal rest areas: Construction of new sites or significant upgrades to existing facilities.
Informal rest areas: Formalising or improving "stopping places" frequently used by drivers.
Rest area signage: Improvements to visibility, including the installation of green reflectors.

Supported Amenities

In supporting the rest area's function, projects may include:

Toilets and showers
Sheltered seating and shade areas
Drinking water stations

What can Modus provide?

Modus can provide all three of these options and tailor them to your specific site, ensuring that they form a cohesive "suite".

When is the Deadline?

Heavy vehicle rest areas are funded under the heavy vehicle facilities stream of the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), which runs two funding rounds each year with set opening and closing dates.

Current round closes: 5:00pm (AEDT), Sunday 31 January 2027

Departmental and RPM portal support is only available until 5:00pm (AEDT) Friday 29 January, so don't leave a technical problem for the weekend. Once a round closes, new or additional information generally won't be considered, so your first submission needs to be your final one.

How to Apply

1. Check You're Eligible

Four things must be true: the project delivers a road safety outcome, fits one of the three project streams, is construction on an existing or proposed public road, and is whole and complete.

2. Confirm Project Type

Ensure it fits the Formal, Informal, or Signage-only categories.

3. Scope the Outcome

Scope the outcome + site need (what changes, why this location).

4. Secure Co-funding

Secure co-funding and prepare evidence (required at submission). In-kind contributions cannot be accepted.

5. Address the Three Criteria

Applications are scored on strategic fit, project benefits and impact, and project deliverability. All three are equally weighted and you need at least 60% against each one.

6. Submit via RPM Portal

Submit via the Department's RPM portal: https://rpmportal.infrastructure.gov.au/

Application-Ready with Modus

Planning + Design

Free Design Consultation, concept floorplans and 3D renders (Toilets/Showers/Shelter)
Budget + Scope

Fast budget pricing and specs to support your application and co-contribution evidence.
Fast Construction

Prefabricated modular systems designed for fast install at remote or regional sites
Asset Longevity

Vandal-resistant and robust materials for high-use roadside environments

“Modus delivered outstanding, durable facilities for the Newell Highway. Their efficient modular expertise significantly improved road safety and the travel experience for all NSW motorists.”

Director, Major Infrastructure

Projects, Fulton Hogan

“Modus delivered modern, high-quality facility suited for extreme conditions. Their accommodating team integrated custom artwork into a competitively priced, low-maintenance project. We highly recommend them.”

Nicole Nelson,

Manager of Tourism

Download the HVRA Funding Guide and Checklist

Once a round closes, new or additional information generally won’t be considered, so your first submission needs to be your final one. Download the Guide and Checklist to test your project against the current rules, including the mandatory road safety outcome, and map out the exact evidence pack your application needs.

Public Toilet Planning Guide and Checklist

Need a Grant Writer?

Successful grant applications require a combination of technical precision and strategic alignment. To give your project the best chance of success, we recommend partnering with our trusted partners at Salt Consulting.

Modus has collaborated with the Blue Salt team previously and they have a proven track record of delivering competitive, successful infrastructure submissions. As specialists in Australian government funding, they handle the "heavy lifting" of the application process, ensuring your project is presented with professional clarity and full compliance.

Visit Blue Salt Consulting

Past Roadside Projects

Cranbrook Truck Bay Rest Stop, WA

Atlantis building with integrated shelter, table settings, showers and toilet facilities
Off-grid solar, septic, and rainwater tank system
Vandal-resistant fixtures and durable internal finishes
Main Roads WA compliant layout for driver fatigue
Robust design engineered for high-use roadside rest areas

Mar 31, 2025 Positive

Great rest stop. Clean shower and facilities. Australia needs more like this. Quite a lot of mosquitos

May 28, 2023 Positive

Huge rest stop. Clean too. No truckie pee bottles all over the place like all other truck rest areas. Someone looks after this place. Kootoes.

Apr 6, 2023 Positive

Great free overnight parking with toilets and free hot showers! We were the only campervan parked up, trucks would come and go. Very peaceful at night despite being near a road.