The 2022 Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Local Government Grant Program is now open for applications for local councils to support projects that improve road safety 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 – with conditional 1:1 contribution from the recipient.
Pedestrians and people who ride bikes are vulnerable on and around roads due to their lack of protection and, so far this year, road deaths in both cohorts have doubled compared to last year and are above the five-year average.
The program is designed to engage Victorian communities in the Victorian Road Safety Strategy, by supporting councils to address road safety issues affecting vulnerable road users in their local areas.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said the grants will be paramount for road safety.
“No Victorian should experience the devastating impacts of road trauma – these grants will help us create safer road environments across the state and embed a culture of road safety within the Victorian community,” Mr Carroll said.
“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.”
Local governments, working closely with their communities, are well-placed to identify specific problems, and develop and implement integrated road safety solutions.
While the primary focus of the TAC LGA Grant Program is pedestrians and cyclists, applicants are encouraged to consider projects that will also address the safety of other road users.
Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore said “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,” Mr Calafiore said.
“We all use the roads differently, and it is important that unprotected and vulnerable road users are supported by the road system, not impacted by it.”
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 being notified by November 2022.
For more information on the TAC Local Government Grant Program, head to www.tac.vic.gov.au/lgagrants.
