Published on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 at 12:13:00 PM
Coolgardie sits along a strategic transport route that connects Perth with the eastern states of Australia. This route is heavily used by truck drivers and freight operators travelling across the country.
The Coolgardie Truck Stop is a dedicated fatigue‑management and rest facility on a major east–west freight route and serves as an important stopping point on the route between Perth and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. It offers a safe and accessible place for drivers to rest, refuel, and access essential facilities while travelling through the region.
The rest area supports road safety by reminding drivers to manage fatigue and take regular breaks during long journeys across Western Australia.
While truck stops are often thought of as “support infrastructure”, they are an element in the safe system approach, contributing through infrastructure to design safety into the network.
The key benefits of the Coolgardie Truck Stop include:
- Fatigue mitigation. Encouraging a proactive rest break before fatigue‑related impairment occurs.
- Reduces roadside stopping. Preventing unsafe informal stops on shoulders or town verges.
- Separation of vehicle types. Keeping heavy vehicles away from general public rest areas.
- Improved compliance. Clear rules support consistent use by professional drivers.
- Crash risk reduction. Particularly for fatigue‑related run‑off‑road and loss‑of‑control crashes.
What the facility offers:
- Dedicated truck and heavy vehicle parking
- Fuel and refuelling access
- Showers and public toilets
- Rest areas and shaded spaces
- BBQ and picnic facilities
- Easy access to the Coolgardie town centre and services
The Shire has outlined Terms and Conditions to ensure the facility remains fit‑for‑purpose, safe, and sustainable. They include:
- Truck parking only (no light vehicles or caravans)
- Maximum stay of 24 hours
- Parking in marked bays only
- Noise minimisation and engine shutdown requirements
- Designated bays for refrigerated vehicles
- High‑visibility PPE requirements
- Controls on pavement protection and dangerous goods
- Prohibition of on‑site servicing, cleaning or refuelling activities
Shire President, Paul Wilcox said the Coolgardie Truck Stop represents a practical, on‑the‑ground commitment to safer roads. “By providing a well‑designed space for heavy vehicle drivers to rest and manage fatigue on one of Western Australia’s key freight routes, we are supporting safer journeys and a stronger regional road network for everyone who relies on it,” he said.
As freight movements continue to underpin Western Australia’s economy, facilities like the Coolgardie Truck Stop play a critical role in translating road safety principles into everyday practice. The project highlights how Local Governments can contribute to the safe system approach by investing in infrastructure that manages risk, supports compliance, and promotes safer driving behaviours across the transport network.
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