New signs to promote driver reviver stops in Goondiwindi and Inglewood

Two new electronic signs will encourage drivers to stop and take a break at the driver reviver sites in Goondiwindi and Inglewood during the school holidays.

Goondiwindi Regional Council successfully received a $40,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Driver Reviver Site Upgrades Program (round one) to purchase the signs, which will direct visitors to the driver reviver stops at Redmond Park in Goondiwindi and Lions Park in Inglewood.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said the goal was to encourage more drivers to pull up to refresh and beat fatigue on long trips.

“This is about trying to keep more people safe on our roads, especially during peak holiday periods when people may be driving long distances,” the Mayor said. “The Goondiwindi region in particular is a key gateway to many popular domestic tourism spots, so the aim is to get those drivers to stop and take a break to refresh before getting back on the road,” he said.

The driver reviver sites in both towns operate during the school holidays only. The new electronic signs are mobile with the ability to customise the displayed messaging. This means they can also be used for other purposes, such as upcoming road closures or traffic changes, outside of the driver reviver site period.

Both the Redmond Park and Lions Park driver reviver sites have universal access toilets, water, picnic tables and play areas. Cr Springborg said the signage and driver reviver sites were also a good opportunity to get visitors to stop in the region and get a taste of what it had to offer.

“The driver reviver sites in both Goondiwindi and Inglewood are run by local volunteers who not only make sure that travellers are well looked after, but they do a fantastic job of promoting the region to those visitors as well,” Cr Springborg said.

“With the recent easing of Queensland border restrictions, Goondiwindi in particular will be the natural entryway for many travellers heading north,” he said. “Inglewood, too, provides a great stopping point to those travelling west from the coast. We want to make sure those visitors know our region’s facilities are available, and encourage them to choose our towns as a place to stop for a coffee or to stretch their legs and explore.”

The Redmond Park site is situated just meters from the Newell Highway, Goondiwindi roundabout. Signage directs visitors from the rest area to attractions throughout the town. The Lions Park in Inglewood is home to the two-kilometre Olive Walk, which guides visitors on a circuit along the Macintyre Brook dotted with plaques outlining the interesting historical events in the area.

The long-term aim of the Driver Reviver Site Upgrades Program is to reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries resulting from driver fatigue on the nation’s roads.