12/10/05
Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley are benefiting from an innovative State Government project that delivers motor vehicle and licensing services direct to their door.
Under the project, officers from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) travel to the remote communities to provide driver training, driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registration renewals and general information, advice and assistance.
Police officers also assist by conducting driver tests.
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Francis Logan, will meet and congratulate Broome DPI officers involved in the successful project during his two-day visit to the Kimberley later this week.
Mr Logan said the key aim of the project was to assist residents in remote communities to obtain their drivers’ licence and, in so doing, prevent unlicensed drivers from using the roads.
“Another important aim is to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and registered, and to promote the education of road and vehicle safety,” he said.
“The first community to join the project was Bidyadanga. For the first time anywhere in Western Australia, two residents progressed through the driver-training program and obtained their P-plates - all within their community.
“We are delighted with the results so far and greatly encouraged that the project is making a difference in the lives of these communities.”
Mr Logan said Bidyadanga’s community-owned mechanical workshop would soon have the status of an authorised inspection station.
“This will play a major role in helping police identify unroadworthy vehicles, and saving community members a potentially dangerous trip to Broome for inspections and repairs,” he said.
“All money spent on vehicle repairs will stay in the community.”
An authorised inspection station was established in Fitzroy Crossing earlier this year which has eliminated the dangerous practice of driving unlicensed or unroadworthy cars nearly 300km to Derby.
Mr Logan said the next group to become involved in the project would be the communities of the Dampier Peninsula, with a central location being based in Djarindjin.
He said the communities of Beagle Bay, Lombadina and One Arm Point would all benefit.
Minister's office: 9222 8950
