Indigenous-led road safety project shifts gears following PrepL redesign

Joseph Guenzler Published October 1, 2025 at 7.00am (AWST)

education and training

An Indigenous-led project will adapt Queensland’s PrepL program to improve driver licensing and road safety in remote communities. (Image: Murri's on the Move/Facebook)

A national transport program will adapt Queensland's PrepL learner driver course for delivery in remote communities, highlighting Indigenous knowledge and data into road safety.

Indigenous people are overrepresented in crash and fatality statistics while many face barriers to gaining licences and safe access to transport.

The new project is led by Indigenous-owned organisation Murri's on the Move (MOTM) in partnership with Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

It will redesign the pre-learner online program and develop a licensing support and booking system tailored for regional and remote use.

MOTM said the funding allows communities to lead the creation of road safety education that respects culture and governance.

"The IEP2 grant empowers Murri's on the Move to co-create culturally responsive road safety solutions with First Nations communities," the organisation said.

"In collaboration with Queensland University of Technology (QUT), we will walk alongside First Nation communities to embed cultural knowledge, community-led solutions, and work towards Indigenous data sovereignty through Indigenous data governance.

"We will reclaim our road safety using our ways to strengthen Safety on our Songlines."

The project is one of eight initiatives selected in the second round of the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre's (CRC) Impact Extension Program.

A total of $2.7 million has been distributed nationally, with each grant supporting projects due for completion by 2026.

iMOVE CRC was established under the federal Cooperative Research Centres Program and has supported more than 260 transport-related projects since 2017.

Managing Director Ian Christensen said the program is designed to move innovation into everyday life.

"The IEP2 program provides the support needed to turn new ideas into services that can make a difference in how people travel and connect," Mr Christensen said.

"From reducing freight emissions to supporting First Nations road safety, the variety of projects demonstrates the value of partnerships in delivering solutions that benefit the whole community. Our aim is to help projects move from trials to long-term impact."

Mr Christensen said outcomes from the program are expected to influence both practice and policy settings.

"By 2026 we expect to see working prototypes, operational services and evidence that can shape investment and decision-making," he said.

"The goal is safer, more efficient and more inclusive transport across Australia."

For Indigenous communities the MOTM-led project represents an opportunity to reclaim control of road safety education and ensure licensing pathways are guided by culture and community priorities.