News

Roads | July 05, 2024

AFL road safety grants open

Grassroots football and netball clubs across the state can apply for a share of $600,000 to improve their club as part of an annual road safety rewards grants program.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have kicked off this year’s TAC Club Rewards program, which encourages local clubs to promote road safety to members during the season.

Now in its fifth year, the program allows AFL Victoria-affiliated football and netball clubs to apply for up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives including club transport, new equipment and uniforms or facility upgrades.

So far this year, 128 people have died on Victoria’s roads, with more than half of these deaths occurring in regional areas.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said that repeated funding cuts by the Labor Government has seen regional roads deteriorate to an appalling standard, with new data showing 91 per cent of roads across the state are now classified as being in “poor” or “very poor” condition.

“As part of this year’s program, clubs will be asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’,” Ms Kealy said.

"Road safety is paramount for all our local footballers and netballers who travel vast distances on our crumbling roads each week to attend training and games."

Ms Kealy said letters of support would be considered for each local application.

More information on the Club Rewards Program can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tac-club-rewards-program