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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

Skippers in the Pilbara are being reminded to check they have in-date flares on board after a higher than usual number of vessels checked in the past 12 months failed to meet the safety requirement.

Department of Transport (DoT) Marine Safety Education Officers will be in the region early next month reinforcing the importance of carrying in-date flares and providing tips on safe boating.

DoT Manager Safety Education Laurie Adams said of the 109 safety compliance checks carried out in the Pilbara since July 2017 16.5 per cent of vessels were not carrying serviceable flares (in-date or not on board) which is about five per cent above the average.

"It's a concerning trend, and mirrors the situation in the Kimberley. In-date flares are required safety equipment for boating in open waters and skippers who fail to carry them are risking their lives," Mr Adams said.

Attending Karratha's popular FeNaClNG Festival on August 4 and 5, 2018 education officers will be reinforcing the importance of having the correct safety equipment in good working order and will be advocating skippers and passengers take the 30 Second Challenge which tests readiness for an emergency response on board a vessel.

The initiative tests if people can gather flares, EPIRB, make a radio call and put on a lifejacket in 30 seconds. People can visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/30secondchallenge to find out how to take the challenge.

Mr Adams said DoT would also bring its very successful Old4New lifejacket upgrade to the festival.

The Old4New program, delivered in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia, is an upgrade opportunity where old, damaged, obsolete or foam filled lifejackets can be exchanged for a voucher for use at a local retail outlet to purchase a new lifejacket.

Voucher 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 at the Lifejackets page.

To get the latest boating safety information like MarineSafetyWA on Facebook or visit the Marine safety section.

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