The Fund was open to all Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Western Australia.

Individuals, Town Teams and other community and business groups were encouraged to work with their local councils if they wanted to suggest a project.

Joint applications for projects that crossed more than one LGA area were welcome and LGAs could submit multiple applications.

Applications closed on Friday 4 September 2020 – thank you to those Local Governments that expressed an interest in being part of Reconnect WA.

Should you have any queries relating to an application you’ve submitted, or just want more information about Reconnect WA, please email reconnectwa@rac.com.au.

Applications opened: Wednesday 29 July 2020

Applications closed: Friday 4 September 2020 at 5:00pm

We are looking to enable local governments across WA to deliver initiatives that:

• Build opportunities for communities to come together by creating places where people can safely interact and spend time
• Redesign streets to reinforce the context of the area and appropriately balance the movement and place functions to better cater for the needs of users
• Create safer and ‘healthy’ streets for walking, cycling, place and interaction
• Improve access for pedestrians and cyclists to key destinations such as local centres, schools and other services and amenities
• Enhance the attractiveness and functionality of public spaces, building on the unique characteristics of the area, to activate local centres and high streets and create vibrant places
• Support local economies by enhancing access, activating streets and providing increased space
• Engage, inspire and help empower resident and business communities to get involved in shaping and driving change in their local area through co-design and by demonstrating the benefits of reimagining and revitalising streets and public spaces
• Help build the foundations for longer-term changes to support safe, sustainable and connected communities

Category 1: Rapid Revival Demos

This category is for a partnership contribution of up to $50,000 per project (up to 80% of the total cost of the project), with projects ideally being on the ground within three months of funding approval.

Category 2: Strengthening Places Pilots

This category is for a partnership contribution of between $50,000 and $100,000 per project (up to 80% of the total cost of the project), with projects ideally being on the ground within three to six months of funding approval.

These projects are likely to be a little more substantial and durable, with treatments / improvements to an area or along a route for example being in place for several weeks, months or longer, and could possibly lead to more permanent changes if successful.

Funding Split

For additional clarification on the funding split, RAC will provide a partnership contribution of up to $50,000 or $100,000 for successful projects depending on the application category but the amount RAC gives is capped at 80% of the total project cost. So, if an LGA submits a project that costs a total of $50,000 under Category 1 and it is successful / supported in full, RAC would contribute $40,000 (80%) and the LGA would pay the remaining $10,000 (20%); if the cost was $25,000, RAC would contribute $20,000 and the LGA $5,000.

LGAs can certainly submit projects that are of higher value but RAC's contribution would still be capped, so under Category 2 for example if the total project cost was $150,000 and it was successful / supported in full, RAC would contribute $100,000 and the LGA would pay the remainder.

Projects might involve:

• Temporary narrowing or reallocation of road space or repurposing of parking spaces or lots to provide pop-up infrastructure or increased space for cyclists/pedestrians/public transport/parklets/al fresco/plazas, etc.
• Innovative lighting improvements to increase personal security for users (including at underpasses) and to make spaces more inviting
  Improvements to make walking and cycling safer and easier, including reduced crossing distances, increased footpath space, mid-block crossing improvements, minor intersection improvements, signal re-timing / re-phasing
• Expansion of council-owned parks/open spaces or repurposing of under-utilised council-owned assets to create vibrant public spaces
• Measures to create low traffic neighbourhoods/restricting access to residential streets to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle and play (e.g. play-streets/open streets)
• Measures to encourage safer speeds
• Temporary or minor place infrastructure to encourage activity and support local businesses such as innovative seating options, potted planting and other such greening and landscaping, community art, bike parking/storage, etc.

Materials for temporary reallocation or creation of space might include paint, spray chalk, planter boxes, artificial turf, wooden pallets, etc.

The duration of the demonstration or pilot period is up to the nominating LGA and will be influenced by the project objectives and desired outcomes, as well as its location, nature and design.

We understand some projects may include permanent elements and these can be included as part of the application — under either category. Ideally, we’d love to see these being low-cost treatments, or having innovative / unique design elements.

Guidance

For enquiries and more information email reconnectwa@rac.com.au.

Terms and conditions

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Funding Agreement.

Approvals

Acceptance of an application as successful does not negate the need for the LGA to obtain all necessary internal and external approvals (e.g. from Main Roads) to enable delivery of all the project components within the agreed timeframe.

Future funding

The next Reconnect WA funding stream will be announced at a later date.