Community groups helping drive home the importance of road safety in south west

Community organisations will benefit from a State Government grants program, which will help deliver safer roads across the region.

ROAD SAFETY: Road safety grants will be available for community groups this year. Picture: Contributed

Community groups across the southwest will help to drive the importance of road safety among the region’s youngest, thanks to the latest round of the Palaszczuk Government’s road safety grants.

Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said more than $114,000 had been shared with nine community groups in Southern Queensland under the government’s Community Road Safety Grants program.

“Making our roads safer is why we’re delivering a record $26.9 billion for better roads and transport across the state over the next four years,” Mr Saunders said.

“These grants add to our record investment and help local organisations and groups address road safety issues at a grassroots level through the development of education initiatives, projects and other worthwhile community-based programs.

“Sadly, Queensland had one of the worst years in recent memory when it comes to lives lost on our roads, which is why it’s vital we continue to support these programs and continue to avoid the fatal five.”

Recipients who delivered last year’s grant programs have had a huge impact on schools within their areas.

The Darling Downs Rotary Club received $20,000 of grant funding last year to deliver tailored road safety lessons to high school students from Toowoomba to Roma.

Club member Maureen Henderson said their program reached more than 1240 high school students, teaching them practical skills to support their journey in learning to drive.

“As part of the program, road safety experts shared strategies with students at 10 schools to teach them how to protect themselves and passengers while on the road and the importance of remaining aware of their surroundings,” Ms Henderson said.

“We’ve received feedback from teachers and students describing the program as an invaluable experience presented in a fun and engaging way.”

The grants will again be open to all community groups for applications to support local road safety initiatives in 2021.

Local road safety representatives can provide advice and guidance on road safety grant ideas by calling [phone].

For more information about application grants visit here.