State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland says road safety measures at schools across the region must be re-addressed following the devastating incident in Melbourne on Tuesday, October 29.
Ms Cleeland has consistently campaigned for improved safety measures at local schools, in particular the need for signage and safety barriers at Colbinabbin Primary School and school crossing supervisors to be reinstated across the north-east.
“In the wake of tragic events at Auburn South Primary School, it is imperative that we are taking another look at the safety of roads outside our local schools,” Ms Cleeland said.
“After campaigning for over a decade, schools like Colbinabbin Primary School are still fighting for simple safety improvements like clearly visible signage and safety barriers.
“Local residents have made it very clear to me — this crossing is not safe for their children.
“They have told me of several near misses between the children and the heavy traffic and are rightfully concerned.
“It is time for this government to listen to what the local community needs and ensure that these safety upgrades are established immediately.”
Ms Cleeland has also been advocating for the future of school crossing supervisors within the Strathbogie Shire after the local council made the decision to exit the program in March last year.
The crossings on state-operated roads at St John’s Primary School in Euroa, Euroa Primary, Avenel Primary School and St Joseph’s Catholic School in Nagambie are all now supervised following Victorian Government involvement — with just the Nagambie Primary School, which operates on a council road, left without funding for supervisors.
As with the Colbinabbin Primary School safety concerns, Ms Cleeland has raised the issue of school crossing supervisors several times in parliament.
With votes from the local government elections set to be finalised shortly, Ms Cleeland plans to re-address the issues with newly elected councillors.
“Funding disputes between our councils and the state government are not helping anyone, and instead are putting the safety of our children at risk,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Conversations I’ve had with community members have made it clear that this is something worth fighting for, and we won’t stop until our children are safe.
“I’ve spoken with school staff, students, parents, council representatives, and concerned residents, as well as raised the issue in parliament, asking for a resolution of this issue.
“With stories of near-misses and speeding vehicles, it is imperative that this is not left too late.
“I look forward to raising this issue with the new councillors within Strathbogie and advocating for the future of this program to keep our children safe.”