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What is the Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project?
The Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project is a funding program that aims to improve safety at railway level crossings.
Background
The Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project supports research and innovation projects that address safety issues related to level crossings, including improving the design of level crossings, developing new safety technologies, and educating the public on safe behavior around level crossings. The program aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities at railway level crossings in Australia.
Objectives
The objectives of the Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project are to:
- support the research and investigation of new technologies and approaches to improve level crossing safety, particularly lower-cost technologies and those that are suited to regional areas;
- support the risk assessment, trial and/or introduction into use of innovative and/or lower cost level crossing safety improvements and improvements to train visibility at level crossings. This may include activities to evaluate the reliability of a technology, consider its effectiveness at addressing risks and consider any unintended consequences and how to mitigate against them; and
- provide a sound evidence base to support future decision-making around level crossings, such as understanding human behaviour around level crossings and drivers of behavioural change in order to better target safety treatments and other interventions.
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Funding
A total of up to $4.6 million (GST exclusive) is available to 2025-26 through at least two grant rounds. The size of grants awarded will depend on the individual project and type of activity.
The minimum funding for any individual project is $10,000 (GST exclusive).
Funding of over $500,000 (GST exclusive) for an individual project will only be considered where there is strong support from at least one state and/or territory government and additional contributions are made, such as the organisation’s own financial or in-kind contribution and/or the existence of additional funding partners.
Eligible Projects
The Australian Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project is a government initiative aimed at promoting research and innovation to improve safety at railway level crossings. Eligible projects for this initiative include:
- Technology-based solutions: This could include the development of new technologies such as sensors, cameras or warning systems that can detect when a vehicle or pedestrian is approaching a level crossing.
- Engineering-based solutions: This could include the design and implementation of new engineering solutions to improve safety at level crossings. For example, the construction of pedestrian bridges or tunnels to separate pedestrians from trains.
- Education and awareness campaigns: This could include developing and implementing public education campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of level crossings and promote safe behavior around trains.
- Policy and regulatory changes: This could include advocating for changes in policy or regulations related to level crossings to improve safety. For example, advocating for changes in speed limits near level crossings or the implementation of stricter penalties for drivers who disobey warning signals at level crossings.
- Data analysis and research: This could include analyzing data on level crossing incidents to identify trends and develop strategies to reduce the number of incidents. It could also involve conducting research to better understand the factors that contribute to level crossing incidents and developing strategies to mitigate these factors.
Overall, the goal of the Australian Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project is to encourage innovative approaches to improving safety at railway level crossings and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities that occur at these locations.
Eligible Applicants
The Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Project may have different eligibility requirements depending on the specific funding program or grant initiative that is being offered. However, some common eligible applicants may include:
- Researchers and research organizations: Researchers, academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies are typically eligible to apply for funding for research and innovation projects related to level crossing safety.
- Industry partners: Industry partners, including transportation companies, technology developers, and equipment manufacturers, may be eligible to participate in collaborative research projects.
- Local and state government agencies: Local and state government agencies responsible for managing level crossing safety, including road authorities, rail operators, and transport departments, may be eligible to apply for funding.
- Non-government organizations: Non-government organizations involved in road safety and transport advocacy may also be eligible to apply for funding.
- Community groups: Community groups with a focus on road safety and transport issues may also be eligible to participate in projects related to level crossing safety.
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applicants may also need to demonstrate their experience, expertise, and capacity to carry out research and innovation projects related to level crossing safety. This may include providing evidence of previous research work, publications, patents, and technical expertise. It is important to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements and funding guidelines for each program or initiative before applying.
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Timing
Applications close 23 March 2023.
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