Government Boosts Funding Grants For Road Safety

Grassroots organisations will share in a $600,000 funding boost in Community Road Safety Grants for 2025.

Transport for NSW NSW received many worthwhile applications this year, that funding was increased by an additional $187,705 and the number of recipients almost doubled compared with 2023.

Thirty-five community groups will each receive up to $30,000 to roll out projects that help increase road safety at a local level across NSW.

Seventeen will be delivered in metropolitan areas and 18 in regional areas.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said two-thirds of fatalities tragically occurred on regional roads, impacting the community immeasurably, which was why funding of Community Road Safety Grants was so valuable.

“While individuals, organisations and the Government all have different responsibilities in reducing road trauma and making sure everyone returns home safely, I know that locals in the bush know what locals need,” Ms Aitchison said.

“These grants are a great investment in the safety of our country-roads.

“Grassroot organisations like PCYC, the ARISE Community Support have knowledge of local issues and are in a good position to provide tailored solutions that get the road safety message to their communities, which will ultimately contribute to a safer trip for everyone.”

Projects include:

Targeting multicultural groups and new arrivals to Australia to provide them with culturally sensitive, in-language road safety workshops, driving lessons, and resources to improve understanding of NSW road rules and instil a road safety culture;

Campaigns to raise awareness and change perception about cyclists;

Subsidised access to the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program for young people to help change dangerous driving behaviour;

Various mentor and driving experience projects for marginalised and Aboriginal youth to support them to become safer, more responsible drivers;

Supplying and installing new or preloved child car restraints to disadvantaged families to improve their safety, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

These latest projects join more than 220 projects and over $3 million invested since the Community Road Safety Grants program was established in 2015.

Minister for Roads John Graham said road safety started in everyone’s street and everyone’s local community.

“These are worthwhile grassroots projects that will make a difference at that local level,” Mr Graham said.

“The rising number of fatalities on our roads has been an issue across the state so programs at a community level that assists at-risk groups and new arrivals will improve safety outcomes in total.

“Whether it be installing car seats into the cars of families who can least afford the safest equipment during this cost of living crunch, or teaching road safety in language to recent arrivals to Australia, these are projects that will each make a difference in their own way.”

• Topics:

• Grants / Funding
• Road Safety
• Community Groups