Pedestrian and cycling-friendly streets, pop-up plazas and community art are among the community-based projects funded through the first round of RAC’s Reconnect WA initiative.
In partnership with local governments across Western Australia, RAC will provide $500,000 for projects which will reinvigorate our local streets and spaces.
RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members Patrick Walker said the projects — the first to be funded out of the $1 million Reconnect WA initiative — would be delivered in multiple regions across WA over the next six months.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with local governments in Perth and our regional areas to breathe new life into our communities and create vibrant places for Western Australians to interact and reconnect with one another and their local areas,” Mr Walker said.
“The volume and quality of applications we received for the first round of Reconnect WA was outstanding and we’re looking forward to working with local communities to bring these projects to life.
“Street artworks, safer and more vibrant streets for walking and cycling, and pop-up food and entertainment plazas, all aimed at connecting people, are just some examples that you will see rolled out.”
More than 1,700 RAC members helped to select the successful projects from the 75 applications received — voting on which of the shortlisted Reconnect WA projects they would most like to see funded.
“It’s fantastic to have our members involved in the decision-making process and more generally to see Western Australians so passionate about their local communities and trialing new ways of using our streets and public spaces,” Mr Walker said.
A recent survey of RAC members found those who felt connected to their community rated their wellbeing 24 per cent higher than those who didn’t.
“How connected we feel to each other and our local communities has a powerful impact on our quality of life and overall wellbeing.
“These projects will not only transform our local areas and deliver positive community outcomes, but we hope they will also inspire and inform future changes in other areas to support safer, sustainable and connected communities.”
RAC’s $1 million Reconnect WA initiative provides local governments with funding for community-based projects which reimagine and revitalise local streets and public spaces.
For the second funding stream of Reconnect WA – the Transforming Streets and Spaces Trial – selected local governments have been invited to submit an expression of interest with ideas for a high-impact project. More details will be released in the near future.
For more information, please visit our website.
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Reconnect WA funding recipients and projects:
Perth
- City of Cockburn — A 12-month pilot program to create a safer, slower speed cycling corridor along Healy Road in Hamilton Hill, through temporary slow-points, road markings and painted intersections.
- City of Stirling — A four-month trial of a ‘pop-up plaza’ at Nollamara neighbourhood centre to include market stalls, food trucks and entertainment.
- City of Subiaco — A pop-up urban oasis with community activations on Churchill Avenue near Rokeby Road in Subiaco over six weeks.
Regional WA:
- City of Mandurah — A ‘street art’ project to enhance a pedestrian connection between the Mandjar Square precinct and Mandurah Ocean Marina, featuring 250 coloured stripes representing community stories about iconic Mandurah landmarks, businesses, flora and fauna.
- City of Greater Geraldton — A 12-month pilot to make Chapman Road in Geraldton safer and more pedestrian friendly, by widening footpaths, adding bike lanes, improving pedestrian crossings and creating parklets.
- Shire of Merredin — A four-month closure of Barrack Street in Merredin to create a ‘public piazza’ with seating, art, shade, turf, greenery and community activities.
- City of Busselton — A 12 month trial converting Hannay Lane in Dunsborough into a one way street to provide more space for pedestrians, with planter boxes, public art and furniture.
- Shire of Northam — The revitalisation of the Northam Suspension Bridge and precinct, including innovative lighting, interactive art and interpretative stories.
RAC Media Contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
