Learner drivers in Mid-West, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance regions of Western Australia could benefit from targeted local support to help them obtain their licence.
A total of $2.4 million in grants is being made available to eligible community-based organisations to support initiatives that improve access to driving services, instructors and suitable vehicles.
The scheme is an extension of the Driving Access and Equity Program, aimed at helping disadvantaged learner drivers, particularly those in regional Western Australia, get their driver’s licence.
Stakeholder engagement sessions will be held in the Mid-West and Gascoyne over June and July, and in the Goldfields-Esperance during August, to identify and understand local barriers preventing people obtaining their driver’s licence.
A pilot of the program in the Kimberley and Pilbara has already provided $3.5 million in grants and seen additional remote services officers, driver instructor training and the development of culturally appropriate publications.
“We know that having a driver’s licence opens up so many more opportunities, including increasing their employability and confidence,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“We have already seen many tangible outcomes from our Pilbara and Kimberley funding – I look forward to seeing the results of the program as it rolls out across another three regions in WA.”
