A new $4.4 million Federal Government funding round has opened to support projects aimed at improving safety outcomes across Australia’s heavy vehicle sector.
Delivered in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Round 11 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) is now accepting applications from industry, researchers, councils, and innovators with ideas that can lift safety, capability, and compliance across the transport and logistics industry.
What the Funding Is For
The HVSI is designed to support industry-led projects that address real-world safety challenges faced by heavy vehicle operators and drivers.
This latest round places a strong emphasis on projects that:
- Improve safety performance and compliance
- Build long-term capability across the freight network
- Harness new and emerging technologies
- Respond to changing vehicle types, road environments, and risk profiles
Eligible applicants include industry associations, local governments, businesses, researchers, and technology developers with solutions that can be trialled, scaled, or shared across the sector.
A Proven Program with Real Results
Since the HVSI began, more than $45 million in funding has been invested across 181 projects through the first ten rounds.
Previous projects supported through the program have delivered practical safety outcomes, including:
- AI-based fatigue monitoring systems
- Heavy vehicle safety simulators
- Improvements to internal safety management systems
- Tools and programs that strengthen compliance and risk awareness
The program has become a key driver of innovation and collaboration across the heavy vehicle industry.
Focus on Future-Ready Safety
The Federal Government has said the latest funding round reflects a continued commitment to preparing Australia’s freight and logistics industry for the future.
The NHVR has also highlighted that reducing road trauma remains its top priority, with innovation and collaboration seen as critical to achieving safer outcomes for drivers, operators, and the wider community.
Round 11 aims to support solutions that are not just effective today, but capable of adapting to emerging risks, new vehicle technologies, and evolving operating environments.
Key Dates and How to Apply
📅 Applications close: 5:00pm (AEST), Monday 16 March 2026
Applicants can access:
- Project guidelines
- Eligibility criteria
- Application details
via the NHVR.
Why This Matters
Programs like the HVSI play an important role in supporting practical, industry-driven improvements to safety. For operators, drivers, and supply chain participants, the outcomes of these projects often translate directly into safer vehicles, better systems, and clearer guidance on managing risk.
At Logbook Checker, we see strong value in initiatives that help the industry move beyond compliance alone and toward smarter, safer operations.
If you have a project that could make a real difference to heavy vehicle safety, this funding round represents an opportunity to turn ideas into action.erators planning their next steps.