Learner drivers in the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Goldfields-Esperance regions will receive targeted local support to obtain their driver’s licence through the McGowan Government’s expansion of the Driving Access and Equity Program.
A total of $2.4 million in grants is available to eligible community-based organisations to support initiatives that improve access to driving services, instructors and suitable vehicles.
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.
Grant applications will open for the Gascoyne and Mid-West in early September, and for the Goldfields-Esperance in October.
Three additional Department of Transport remote service officers will also be employed as part of the program expansion who will travel to regional and remote areas in response to demand for licensing services.
The McGowan Government has committed more than $10 million to the Driving Access and Equity Program to improve access for young, disadvantaged people to a driver’s licence and job opportunities.
A pilot of the program in the Kimberley and Pilbara has already provided $3.5 million in grants, additional remote services officers, driver instructor training and the development of culturally appropriate publications.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“I am so proud that we have committed more than $10 million to the Driving Access and Equity Program to support young people in regional WA gain their driver’s licence.
“We know that having a driver’s licence opens up so many more opportunities, including increasing their employability and confidence.
“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.”
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
“I remember when I first gained my driver’s licence and the many opportunities it opened up for me.
“This is a fantastic iniative that will make a big difference to a lot of young people living in the Mid-West.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“There are many young people across the Goldfields who are keen to get their licence, but just need a little bit more support to make it happen.
“This program will be very welcomed by our community, and I look forward to seeing it rolling out later this year.”
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Sandra Carr:
“There are many worthy organisations in the Mid-West region who would be excellent candidates for funding through this program.
“I encourage anyone interested in learning more to visit the information sessions later this year.”
