Cyclists and pedestrians could be winners in new $1 million grants program

17 Jul 2014

• TAC’s LGA Small Infrastructure Grants Program invites local governments to seek funding
• Program designed to reduce deaths and injuries on local roads
• New program part of the Napthine Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022

Victorian local governments are invited to seek funding from a new Transport Accident Commission (TAC) grants program designed to reduce deaths and injuries on local roads.

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced the new LGA Small Infrastructure Grants Program, encouraging councils to apply for money for local projects to improve safety for their community’s riders and pedestrians.

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the program was aimed at preventing Victorians from being injured on local roads.

“This program is about encouraging local solutions to the local safety concerns of cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“Cyclists and pedestrians account for more than 1,600 injuries across the state each year. The Napthine Government recognises the value of addressing this at a local level.

“Local government authorities are well-placed to understand local issues and are connected with local community groups who understand where safety improvements are required,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Mr Rich-Phillips said local governments could apply for grants of up to $25,000 for planning and researching innovative safety treatments. Councils with plans already in place are eligible to apply for matched-funding grants of up to $100,000 to cover the cost of developing the new infrastructure.

TAC claims data shows that children and middle aged men are most at risk of being injured while cycling. Injuries resulting in a trip to hospital are most likely to occur at intersections (30 per cent), followed by riders being struck from behind by a car or other motorised vehicle moving in the same direction (25 per cent).

Mr Rich-Phillips said the new program was part of the Napthine Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022.

“The public told us that more bike lanes and paths and more pedestrian crossings were needed. I’m pleased today to be launching this program to meet the community’s desire for safer infrastructure,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Victorian local governments have until August 30 to submit an application for a share of the $1 million in TAC funding available in the first round of the annual grants program.

The LGA Small Infrastructure Grants Program was developed in consultation with local councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria, VicRoads and other stakeholders, including Victoria Walks, Bicycle Network Victoria and the RACV.

Local government authorities and community groups wanting more information can visit http://www.tac.vic.gov.au/lgagrants