But, as highlighted by a new report from the Tasmanian Transport Association, it's also a sector that is significantly stretched - particularly when it comes to driver numbers.

Why? Because like many of our industries, recruiting and retaining workers to what is often seen as a challenging industry remains just that - a challenge.

For years, decades even, Tasmania has lagged behind the rest of Australia in many respects to this.

As it stands, our state does not meet nationally agreed guidelines for the provision of rest areas.

This, despite the significant contribution the sector makes to our economy.

It's taken more than two decades of lobbying for the TAA's requests for improved facilities for drivers to be met with a financial commitment from both the state and federal governments.

Friday's announcement of a joint $5 million commitment to establish 19 new and improved rest area facilities across the state is welcome. But it should never have taken this long.

Improving Tasmania's infrastructure, particularly our roads, has been a major focus of the current Liberal government. As well reported, roads and bridges form a key part of the 2020-21 state budget.

Further, infrastructure and the associated job opportunities are going to play a key part in the state's road to COVID-recovery.

We know the road transport sector provides an essential service to many critical parts of the economy - agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and construction - just to name a few. Further, freight volumes are forecast to increase by 35 per cent over the next 20 years.

Many of the state's small towns have already been bypassed, leaving truckies with limited and sometimes no options when it comes to a safe place to take a break.

As we move forward with further infrastructure investments across the state, government's have a responsibility to ensure safety - above all else - remains paramount.

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