Community grants initiative aims to improve road safety

OVER the next 12 months, almost $500,000 will be shared among 55 grassroots education initiatives across the state to save lives and reduce trauma on Queensland roads.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said this year’s community road safety grants would support 55 community-based groups, including schools, councils and not-for-profit organisations, to deliver effective road safety education and awareness initiatives, encouraging safer practices.

“We’re investing almost $1.7 billion in road safety, to make Queensland’s roads as safe as they can be,” Mr Bailey said.

“This work will see us prioritise safety upgrades, improve driver education, make school zones safer and develop policies to reduce road crashes and trauma.”

Mr Bailey said support from the community would help drive the road safety message.

“That’s what community road safety grants are for,” Mr Bailey said.

“The grants will be rolled out from Weipa, in the far north of our state, and as far west as Thargomindah.

“It was encouraging to see several successful grants supporting our diverse and inclusive communities, including people with a disability, and from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds as well as our indigenous communities.”

Successful initiatives of the 2021 funding round included $51,000 for early childhood road safety education, $87,000 for primary school children’s practical bicycle and road safety education and $190,000 for young drivers to participate in driver education and awareness initiatives.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a role to play in keeping people safe as they use our roads,” Mr Bailey said.

“I congratulate the successful grant recipients, and I have no doubt the projects they deliver will save lives and prevent injury on our roads.”