04 May 2026
Colbinabbin community finally sees school safety upgrade after long fight
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has welcomed the installation of new flashing school zone lights at Colbinabbin Primary School, following years of persistent advocacy from the local community.
Ms Cleeland said the upgrade was a testament to the determination of Colbinabbin families, who refused to give up in their push for improved safety measures outside the school.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Colbinabbin, and it belongs squarely to the community who fought so hard to make it happen,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Parents, staff and local advocates have been raising concerns about safety for years. They have written letters, made calls, and kept this issue front and centre, now they are finally seeing the result.”
The newly installed flashing lights are already making a noticeable difference, with increased driver awareness and stronger compliance in the school zone.
“Locals are telling me they’re already seeing a big improvement, with more drivers slowing down and paying attention. That’s exactly what this was all about, keeping kids safe,” Ms Cleeland said.
While welcoming the outcome, Ms Cleeland said it should not have taken so long to deliver a basic safety measure.
“It’s disappointing that the community had to fight this hard, for this long, to get something so fundamental,” she said.
“No community should have to wait years for essential safety infrastructure outside a primary school. This delay simply isn’t good enough.”
Ms Cleeland also acknowledged the role of former Member for Euroa Steph Ryan, whose advocacy helped lay the groundwork for the upgrade.
“This has been a long journey, and I want to recognise everyone who played a role along the way. The many local champions who never let this issue drop,” she said.
“This outcome proves that when regional communities stand together and keep pushing, they can achieve real change, even when the system is slow to respond.”
Ms Cleeland said she will continue to advocate for timely investment in road safety across the electorate to ensure other communities are not left waiting.