By Melissa Coleman
Member for Southern Downs James Lister has sent a letter to the Minister of Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey asking him to reverse his decision on permanently shutting down the Gladfield Driver Reviver site on Monday 2 January 2023.
In his letter, Mr Lister stated that the decision was met with anger and dismay by people throughout the Southern Downs who are concerned about road trauma.
“The many volunteers in the Warwick area who man the Gladfield site feel acutely aggrieved at this decision, particularly in light of the absence of consultation before the announcement of the decision.
“I share completely in the concerns,” he said.
Gladfield Driver Reviver and 18 other sites have remained temporarily operational after Mr Bailey made an initial announcement to immediately close all TMR Driver Reviver sites across Queensland.
Mr Lister continued saying, “My discussions with parliamentary colleagues whose electorates also face closure of Driver Reviver sites, indicate that their communities have similar feelings about the importance of Driver Reviver services.
At the next parliamentary sitting in two weeks’ time, Mr Lister intends to either make a speech or submit a question on notice to Minister Mark Bailey to which he would have to respond within 28 days.
Driver Reviver sites offer refuge from long-distance driving during peak holiday seasons with the opportunity to stop, have a cuppa, and let the kids run around, reducing the “tragic scourge” of driver fatigue.
