Applications for round two of the Federal Government’s 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
- Trials of innovative and lower-cost improvement to level crossing safety and 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 flashing 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.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that regional and rural communities deserve to have safe and modern level crossings.
“The Federal 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,” Ms King said.
“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.”
