Grants to support projects that deliver tangible improvements in heavy vehicle safety while increasing compliance and providing safety benefits for Australia’s transport and logistics sector.
On this page you will find
What is the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative?
The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) is a national grants program designed to support future-focused, implementable safety solutions for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.
For Round 11, the program places a strong emphasis on projects that:
- Address emerging and future safety risks
- Support the transition to new vehicle technologies and operating environments
- Demonstrate readiness for real-world application and industry-wide adoption
- Deliver measurable, long-term safety outcomes across the freight and logistics supply chain
The program recognises that electrification, automation, connected vehicles, advanced analytics and data-driven systems are reshaping freight operations — and aims to help industry adapt safely, sustainably and inclusively.
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative level of support
Total funding available: Approximately $4.4 million (Round 11)
- Minimum / maximum funding: No fixed minimum or maximum funding amount per project
Co‑contribution:
- Applicants must demonstrate a contribution to the project (cash and/or in‑kind)
- Matched funding is not mandatory, however contributions must be clearly detailed
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative important dates
- Applications close: 16 March 2026 (5pm AEST)
- Assessment period: March – May 2026
- Applicants notified: August 2026 (indicative)
- Projects commence: From 2026–27 financial year
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative objectives
For Round 11, all projects must clearly align to one of the following four themes:
1. Vehicle Safety and Technology Integration
Projects that enhance safety through the design, retrofitting or integration of next‑generation vehicle technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems, EV‑specific safety solutions, predictive maintenance and connected vehicle technologies.
2. Future Focused Road Environment Solutions
Initiatives that address how changing road infrastructure, traffic mix, EV adoption and connected systems impact heavy vehicle safety, including modelling, simulation and field validation of vehicle‑infrastructure interactions.
3. Pilot Programs and Scalable Innovation
Real‑world trials and pilot projects that demonstrate clear pathways to broader industry adoption, supported by performance indicators, collaboration and shared outcomes.
4. Industry‑Led Safety Culture and Knowledge Sharing
Projects that strengthen safety culture, leadership, education and workforce capability, particularly in response to new technologies, operating environments and emerging risks.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative support
Projects supported under Round 11 are expected to be implementable, evidence‑based and scalable. Eligible activities may include:
- Predictive modelling, simulation and advanced analytics
- Field testing and validation of safety systems
- AI‑enabled diagnostics and maintenance platforms
- EV‑specific safety systems (including charging, fire mitigation and training)
- Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C‑ITS)
- Autonomous and semi‑autonomous vehicle trials
- Pilot programs with clear scale‑up and replication pathways
- Development of tools, frameworks or guidelines with cross‑sector collaboration
Applied research is eligible only where it directly supports or evaluates a practical, real‑world trial and where outcomes will be shared for broader industry benefit.
Ineligible expenditures
Funding will not be provided for:
- Grant writer fees
- Branding, marketing or commercial product promotion
- Commercial products or services
- Retrospective costs or purchases made before funding approval
- Overseas travel
- Insurance costs
- Internal training not delivered by a third party
- General administration or business‑as‑usual costs
- Contingency or maintenance costs
- Gifts, prizes or sponsorships
- Projects duplicating existing initiatives already delivered by government or industry bodies
Other Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be based in Australia
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Be registered for GST
- Hold an account with an Australian financial institution
The following are not eligible:
- Individuals
- Unincorporated associations
- Overseas entities
- Organisations listed under the National Redress Scheme exclusion list
Projects supported by industry bodies, peak organisations or multiple stakeholders are strongly encouraged.
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against five key criteria:
- Capacity and sustainability – organisational capability, experience and delivery capacity
- Evidence‑based approach – demonstrated industry need and justification
- Scope and benefits – alignment with safety priorities and breadth of impact
- Location and reach – local, regional, cross‑jurisdictional or national benefits
- Budget and timeline – value for money and deliverability within required timeframes
The assessment panel also undertakes a value‑for‑money and SWOT analysis as part of the evaluation process.
How do I get the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the Round 11 Application Guidelines
- Submit a completed application form addressing all assessment criteria
- Demonstrate alignment with one HVSI theme
- Provide all mandatory attachments
Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Information to prepare for the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative application
Applicants should be prepared to submit:
- Letters of support (mandatory)
- Evidence of industry need
- Insurance certificates of currency
- Audited financial statements
- Detailed project plan and timeline
- Risk management matrix
- Communications and promotion plan
- Evidence of collaboration and partnerships
- Details on how project outcomes will be made publicly available
Applying for the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative
Applications must be submitted by email: grants@nhvr.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative resources
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