Driving Access and Equity grants open for community-based organisations helping disadvantaged in the region

Grant applications are open for those in the Mid West and Gascoyne helping disadvantaged learner drivers get their licence due to labour shortages across WA.

Community-based organisations in the Mid West are urged to apply for grant funding if they contribute to addressing barriers preventing young people receiving their licence, including improving access to licenced vehicles, driving supervisors and instructors. In total, $1.2 million is available in the Driving Access and Equity Program funded by the State Government.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said extensive engagement with the local community highlighted the genuine need for more support and employability in the region.

“It is fundamentally important, in particular in regional WA where having a drivers licence often gives you the ability to get work,” she said.

“This is seen as a massive priority for us and it’s been successful so far. We’ve seen a lot of people get their learners and P plates up in the Kimberley who wouldn’t have done it without this project.”

Geraldton MP Lara Dalton said logging hours and learning to drive may be unavailable for young people without support networks, parental supervision or ability to afford driving lessons.

Applications for Driving Access and Equity grants in the Mid West/Gascoyne region close on Monday, October 3. To apply, visit transport.wa.gov.au/daep.