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Skippers can replace their old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejacket with a new modern more comfortable one for $65 when the Department of Transport (DoT) visits the boat ramp at Mindarie Marina this weekend.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said the Old4New lifejacket upgrade program, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, would be available at the marina for the first time.

“In the past two years more than 2,000 lifejackets and vouchers, to upgrade at a retail store, have been provided as part of the program – taking the same number of unsafe lifejackets off boats in WA,” Mr Adams said.

“The aim of the program is to change boater behaviour and increase the number of people wearing a lifejacket because the statistics show those wearing one have a greater chance of survival in an emergency on the water. Marine investigation data shows that in 11 of the 18 deaths (61%) on WA waters in the past two years wearing a lifejacket could have saved their life.”

Mr Adams said the arrival of spring next week would see skippers returning to the water after a winter break and it was vital they checked their safety gear, the boat and its equipment remained in good working order.

“Now is also the perfect time for skippers to commit to always wearing their lifejacket when out on the water and upgrade their old one with the Old4New initiative,” Mr Adams said.

Limits and restrictions are in place to ensure the benefits of the program apply to as many vessels as possible so people who want to participate should check the guidelines on the Lifejackets page.

Old4New will be at the boat ramp at Mindarie Marina from 9am to 10am on Saturday August 25, 2018. To get the latest boating safety information like MarineSafetyWA on Facebook or visit the Marine section.

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

The METRONET team is seeking interested individuals and groups to nominate for its Access and Inclusion Reference Group.

The group, which will be made up of people or organisations with an understanding of matters impacting people with disability or with mobility issues, will provide input into the planning, design and useability of new METRONET stations and precincts.

To continue reading the media statement please visit the link below.

METRONET Access and Inclusion Reference Group to form

Schools across WA participating in the Your Move program will have access to $20,000 in Connecting Schools Grants to upgrade cycling and walking infrastructure at their schools, making it easier for kids to get more active on their school commute.

The Department of Transport's (DoT) 2018/19 Connecting Schools Grants have been revamped and integrated into the Your Move program and the updated website makes the grant process easier.

DoT Executive Director Transport Strategy and Reform Brett Hughes said that 71 schools across WA were already part of the free Your Move program and will now be eligible for the grants.

"We know that kids need to get more movement in their day; choosing to walk, cycle or scoot on the school commute is an easy way for kids and parents to get more active," Dr Hughes said.

"The grants which range from $750 to $5,000 can be used by schools to fund bike parking/shelters, bike education, wayfinding signage and even bike racks and repair stations, making it easier and more fun for kids walking, cycling or scooting to school."

"The Your Move Schools program works with WA schools to find ways to get students and parents to leave the car behind and get moving on their school journey. These grants help provide infrastructure to make these activities easier and safer."

The grants are available until December 2018. Schools already signed up to the Your Move program will automatically qualify for the grants when they reach a certain accreditation level - the more actively engaged a school is in the Your Move program, the more funding for which they are eligible.

Any school can sign up to the Your Move program through the Your Move website. Schools are able to access many resources, including tips and advice on how to get kids more active for free. The program facilitates easy collaboration between schools to share success and information.

For more information on the grants please visit Your Move website.

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