FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY IN THE REGIONS

The Australian Government is committed to fnding better ways to improve the safety of level crossings in the regions.

We are committed to working with State, Territory and local Governments as well as industry to achieve the goal of zero harm at level crossings.

The National Level Crossing roundtable has provided an opportunity to bring people together and continue discussions about priorities and consistency of approach to improving safety.

As part of the action the Albanese Government is already taking, applications for Round Two of the Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Grants are now open.

The grants, which are a component of the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety

Program, aim to fund and support: Research and investigation of new technologies and approaches to improve level crossing safety, and Trials of innovative and lower-cost level crossing safety improvements, or better train illumination and visibility.

The results of the trials will be shared with governments and the rail industry to inform ongoing activities under the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy. Six projects were funded under Round One of the grants, which saw a total of $2.8 million in funding provided to successful recipients. The projects are looking to trial a range of technologies, including rumble strips and fashing posts, train visibility, solar powered wireless technology and data monitoring.

The Government is also spending $160 million under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund from 2023–24 to 2026–27 for up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering priority level crossing upgrades.

Applications for Round Two of the Research and Innovation Grants will close on Friday 5 April 2024.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit grants.gov.au, grant opportunity ID

GO6009.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King: “Regional and rural communities deserve to have safe and modern level crossings.

“The Australian Government is determined to continue the good work we’re seeing under Round One of the grants, ensuring innovative solutions that support safer level crossings that communities need and deserve.

“I strongly encourage stakeholders, including those from industry, research bodies, and universities, to apply for a grant to make a difference for level crossing safety.”