News

The RACT is approached regularly for support (particularly via the Community Fund) by volunteer learner driver mentor organisations in disadvantaged areas throughout the state.

The RACT has lobbied over a number of years for Government to give more financial support to driver mentoring programs and is pleased with the following announcement by the new Minister for Infrastructure Lara Giddings.

"The State Government is inviting community organisations to apply for seed funding to help disadvantaged learner drivers develop their on-road driving experience.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Lara Giddings, said that the grants would be available to establish, consolidate or expand a learner driver mentor program.

"There are two categories of funding available - up to $25,000 to establish a new program and up to $20,000 to consolidate or expand an existing program," Ms Thorp said.

"The intention is to help novice drivers who have limited opportunity to access a suitable vehicle and responsible supervisory driver to gain on-road driving experience, including their required 50 hours in the L2 learner stage. 

"This program is one of the initiatives under the Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy Action Plan aimed at increasing safety for young road users."

An application form and further information on how to apply for seed funding can be found at the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources website www.transport.tas.gov.au/safety/mentor or phone the Road Safety Operations Branch on 6233 5290.

Applications close on Monday 7 June.

Further information:     Sam Adams: 6233 3858