Schools across Western Australia can now apply for the Connecting Schools Grant, offered as part of the State Government’s Your Move program.
Grants are open to schools that are achieving positive results through the program and will assist them to:
- Upgrade bike and scooter parking;
- Run bike skills and pedestrian road safety education workshops; and
- Deliver innovative initiatives that support active travel.
Up to $325,000 is available to be shared, with grants ranging from $1,200 up to $25,000 – the highest packaged amount offered in the scheme’s history.
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to be delivering initiatives that are increasing active travel to school – leading to healthier, happier kids with increased independence,” said Education Minister, Sabine Winton.
“As the Minister for Education and Preventative Health, it is pleasing to see a grants program that fosters a positive culture of active travel in school communities.
“I strongly encourage schools not already signed up to the Your Move program to do so, in order to enjoy the long-lasting benefits of this program.”
A key aim of the funding is to encourage more students to walk, wheel or ride to school more often through the provision of suitable infrastructure, facilities and bike skills.
The grants complement a range of other State Government efforts to reverse declining rates of active travel to school, including a $10 million commitment to improve school crossing safety and free public transport for students, prompting students to walk or ride to nearby stations.
“Since 2018, more than $1 million has been invested as part of this grant scheme,” said Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“Last year, the Your Move program recorded one of its best years yet for active travel to and from school, with a nine per cent overall increase across participating schools.
“Car use at primary schools also dropped by six per cent, which is the equivalent of almost 600,000 car trips, and more than 2,971 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.
“The Connecting Schools Grant continues to deliver positive outcomes, helping students arrive at school energised and more attentive, and easing traffic congestion and pollution at the school gate”.
The Connecting Schools Grant is delivered as a partnership between the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure and the Department of Education.
For more information and to apply, visit the Connecting Schools Grant website. Applications close Monday, 3 November.
