The Victorian Government has launched a new wave of road safety grants for local councils across the state.
Applications opened yesterday for the 2022 Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Local Government Grant Program, offering funding for projects to reduce, and where possible eliminate, the likelihood of death and serious injury for pedestrians and cyclists.
Now in its ninth year, the program invites councils to apply for grants of up to $30,000 for analysis projects, and up to $100,000 for infrastructure projects – conditional on 1:1 contribution from the recipient.
In 2022, pedestrian and cyclist road deaths have doubled compared to last year and are tracking above the five-year average.
Ben Carroll, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, said no Victorian should have to experience the devastating impacts of road trauma.
“Walking and cycling are great ways to stay healthy and move around and these grants will not only improve the safety of vulnerable road users but continue to foster liveable cities that encourage active transport,” he said.
Joe Calafiore, TAC Chief Executive Officer, said it was important that vulnerable road users were supported by the road system, not impacted by it.
“We cannot accept road trauma as inevitable – no one should be killed or seriously injured on our roads and the TAC LGA Grant Program is about supporting local councils in protecting the people who use the roads in their areas,” he said.
While pedestrians and cyclists are the primary focus of this year’s program, applicants are encouraged to consider projects that will also address the safety of other road users.
Examples of past submissions include wombat crossings on local streets, in-depth walking and cycling audits around schools, and off-road cycling facilities.
Applications close on Wednesday 27 July, with grant recipients to be notified by November 2022.
For more information, visit: www.tac.vic.gov.au/lgagrants
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