Australian ICMIF member RAC has announced a new funding initiative under which it will provide up to one million Australian dollars to local governments to deliver community-based projects in Western Australia.
RAC’s new Reconnect WA initiative aims to breathe new life into cities, towns and neighbourhoods, with the first funding stream — an AUD 500,000 Reinvigorating Streets and Spaces Fund — which is now open to local government applications.
Eligible projects include low-cost temporary or semi-permanent infrastructure changes to the look and feel of local streets and public spaces.
RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members Patrick Walker said the Reconnect WA initiative will support community-based projects to help reconnect people and places.
“We are proud to play a part in bringing vibrancy and energy back to our communities and creating inviting places for Western Australians to interact and reconnect with one another,” Mr Walker said.
“Through Reconnect WA, we look forward to working with local governments to deliver quick, low-cost projects to transform our streets and public spaces, boost community engagement and help us plan for the future.
“Pop-up plazas, cycling and walking infrastructure, community art projects and innovative lighting treatments are just a few examples of the types of projects we are looking to support.
“While some projects will be temporary, the learnings will help lay the foundations for longer-term changes to support safe, sustainable and connected communities,” Walker concluded.
RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative follows a recent RAC Member Priorities Tracker survey, which found nearly half of the more than 580 respondents supported initiatives such as:
- Limiting access to some residential streets to make them easier and safer to walk, cycle and play (46 per cent supportive and 30 per cent neither supported or opposed),
- Converting road space for ‘pop-up’ bike lanes along popular routes (44 per cent supportive and 27 per cent neither supported or opposed), and;
- Using road space to provide extra seating room for cafes and restaurants (49 per cent supportive and 24 per cent neither supported or opposed).
“Western Australians are open to trialling new ways of using our streets and public spaces, and we’re excited to explore how these types of changes could also be beneficial in the longer-term to help shape the future of our State,” Mr Walker said.
All local governments across Western Australia are eligible to apply for RAC’s Reinvigorating Streets and Spaces Fund, for partnership contributions of up to AUD 50,000 or AUD 100,000 depending on the application category. Applications close Friday 4 September 2020.
The next funding stream will be announced at a later date.
For more information on the Fund, or to submit an application, please visit the RAC website.
