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Over $1.6 million in shared grants funding has been awarded to 45 projects across Western Australia's coastal regions to support coastal management work and improved coastal amenities.

To continue reading the media statement please visit the link below. Alternatively visit the CAP grants page.

Coastal projects share in $1.6 million in grants funding

In advance of the Avon Descent and other white-water events in July and August all river users are being advised to take extra care when on the water.

Department of Transport (DoT) A/Director Waterways Safety Management Mark Briant said regular river users were encouraged to check if an event or training days were scheduled for the waterway they plan to use and when on the water to take extra precautions particularly when operating close to blind bends and within narrow channels.

"High speed power race vessels are exempted from the usual speed limits during approved events and may approach other users without warning," Mr Briant said.

"Swimming where events are scheduled is discouraged."

Mr Briant said DoT worked with event organisers to raise awareness of the increased risk to paddle craft and other users during the events.

The Avon Descent will be held on August 4 and 5, 2018 with 60 power craft travelling from Northam to Perth over the two days. However, all users should be aware of a number of earlier lead in events including the Avon Descent time trials on July 22, 2018 from Bells Rapids to Middle Swan Bridge and practice weekend on July 28 and 29, 2018 between Northam and Middle Swan Bridge on both days.

DoT's free brochures Paddle Safe and Swift Water Paddling promote safe paddling practice and provide useful information and tips for enthusiasts. Visit the Paddle craft page for a copy of the brochure.

Media contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au

• Program provides better access to licensing services to WA's remote communities

For over a decade now, the Department of Transport's Remote Services program has been delivering mobile licensing services to some of the State's most remote communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West and Goldfields regions.

The program, run by Department of Transport (DoT), has a long history of working collaboratively with government agencies, industry, Aboriginal corporations and not-for-profits to find ways to overcome barriers to obtaining a driver's licence in remote communities.

This year marks a decade since DoT signed an agreement allowing learner's permit theory testing to be delivered by Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) as part of their Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) pre-employment program. This collaborative arrangement helps increase access to licensing services and improves employment opportunities for those living in the Pilbara. The agreement was recently extended by three years, ensuring the licensing services continue to be delivered on behalf of DoT.

DoT General Manager Regional Services Dennis O'Reilly said that living remotely comes with a number of barriers to accessing services, including obtaining a driver's licence.

"The Remote Services program visit some of the most isolated communities in WA enabling access to tailored resources that help educate remote communities about road rules and allows them to sit practical and theory tests in a familiar and comfortable environment."

The Remote Services program visits provide access to driver theory tests, practical assessments, licence renewals, vehicle transfers and photo cards.

In the last five years the team has performed over 1,167 visits (including joint visits with other agencies) across 128 locations throughout WA, resulting in over 2,100 theory tests and 2,300 practical driving assessments being conducted.

"Obtaining and retaining a driver's licence in remote communities allows better access to health care, essential services and better pathways for employment, as many jobs require candidates to have a driver's licence. One person having a licence can have positive effects on an entire community," Mr O'Reilly said.

"Over 1,500 people living in remote communities have been issued a driver's licence in the last 10 years."

Mr O'Reilly said the longevity of the program and the partnerships forged, shows a genuine commitment to deliver initiatives that enable remote community members to overcome some of the barriers to undertaking driver training and obtaining a licence.

Media contact: Coby Lucas 6551 6273