The Andrews Labor Government is providing a funding boost to 90 Victorian schools, councils and not-for-profit organisations across the state, with grants to deliver programs that reduce road trauma and save lives.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said 232 initiatives funded as part of the $1.5 million Community Road Safety Grants Program will deliver targeted education programs and provide localised solutions to road safety.

Funding spread across the state will help all road user groups, including pedestrians, drivers, motorcyclists and bike riders, and reach a range of ages from young students to retirees.

More than $700,000 has been invested in rural and regional communities to drive down trauma and address issues including vehicle safety, fatigue, and high-risk driver behaviour such as drink and drug driving.

Almost $100,000 is being invested in Melbourne’s west and north west across a range of local initiatives including bike education and skills workshops for students and adults, road safety education for newly arrived migrants, road safety sessions for young drivers about high-risk driver behaviour and road safety banners and signage.

Key funding recipients include City of Wyndham for Bike Education programs and RoadSafe Westgate.

This year’s grants program supports the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.

This is on top of the Labor Government’s $6.4 million investment in the Community Road Safety Grants Program over the last five years to help councils, schools and not-for-profit organisations deliver road safety initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-safety-programs/vicroads-community-road-safety-grants-program/standard-grants-program

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Werribee locals know the issues impacting their communities every day – these grants empower them to deliver invaluable road safety education and make a difference.”

“These grants will reach people of all ages, whether they’ve just got their P plates, they’re a bike rider heading out on the roads or they’re walking to primary school.”  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“Whether you are a student or retiree, a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, these grants assist in bringing lifesaving messages to every corner of our state.”

“Sadly, too many communities understand the impact road trauma can have – this program gives schools and groups the opportunity to work together at a grassroots level to improve road safety.”