Funding launched to boost community road safety

Published Wednesday, 24 February, 2016 at 03:32 PM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Community groups, schools, councils and driver educators all have an opportunity to help improve safety on our roads, with the latest round of the Palaszczuk Government’s Community Road Safety Grants now open.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey today launched round five of the grants while visiting Kidsafe Queensland at Herston.

“The Community Road Safety Grant (CRSG) initiative helps local people implement solutions for local road safety issues by providing a way for communities to contribute to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland roads,” Mr Bailey said.

“More than $5 million will be available for the 2016-17 financial year to help organisations deliver researched and sustainable road safety initiatives.”

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government had this year broadened the scope of the grants.

“Parents and Citizens or Parents and Friends school groups, local government, not-for-profit and community organisations can apply for up to $25,000 for short-term to small-scale projects to target road safety locally,” Mr Bailey said.

“Providers of road safety education and learner driver mentor initiatives can also apply for funding to support education programs in schools and initiatives to assist learner drivers.”

Mr Bailey said the CRSGs initiative was part of a suite of actions announced under the Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2015-17 last year.

“Under this action plan, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering more than $500 million in road safety programs incorporating education and community engagement, enforcement, technology, research and improved road infrastructure,” he said.

“The Government’s Road Safety Strategy calls on everyone in the community – government, business and citizens – to take action, whenever and wherever, to improve safety on our roads.”

Kidsafe previously received $161,360 in Community Road Safety Grants to provide a range of initiatives to educate families on the appropriate use of child restraints, especially for newborn and premature babies.

“There’s nothing more important than keeping our kids safe, so it’s great to be here today and see the work Kidsafe Queensland are doing to improve road safety across the state.

“Other previous grant recipients have implemented programs including bicycle safety resources and training, heavy vehicle fatigue initiatives, road safety education and learner driver mentoring programs.

“Road safety is everyone’s business, and these grants give local communities the opportunity to get involved and make their local roads that bit safer for all users.”

Applications open today and close on 29 March 2016. For more information on how to apply for a Community Road Safety Grant, go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au/roadsafetygrants

ENDS

Media Contacts:  Tim Shipstone       3719 7321

                           Amy Hunter          3719 7324