As near misses continue to occur across the region, Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, continues to advocate for the long-term funding of school crossings in the Strathbogie Shire.
The Strathbogie Shire Council controversially decided to exit the program in March last year, asserting that it was the Victorian Government’s responsibility to step up and deliver the program.
Following strong community advocacy, Ms Cleeland said the State Government agreed to fund four out of the five school crossings in the region but had not yet committed to a long-term solution.
With all councillors suspended, Ms Cleeland has expressed interest in revisiting the issue with interim council administrator Peter Stephenson.
The Council had previously defended its position to withdraw from the program due to funding concerns, but Ms Cleeland said it was an opportunity for the Strathbogie Shire Council to reflect the needs of the community and show a willingness for change with new leadership.
“The school crossing supervisor program is critical to keeping our children safe,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This remains a matter of utmost importance to our local community. 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.”
Calls for the supervisors to be reinstated hit fever pitch this week, following a near-miss of a collision between a speeding vehicle at a school crossing.
“Despite Nagambie Primary School principal Rob French wearing a high-vis vest and holding a ‘stop’ sign, this speeding car nearly hit him,” Ms Cleeland said.
“If it was a child crossing the road unsupervised, then there is no doubt that could have been a horrific ending.
“Despite Council’s willingness to allocate nearly $1.8 million of the community’s funds to an unpopular road project, it is concerning that there has been a lack of urgency in ensuring the safety of our children at school crossings.”
Ms Cleeland has met with school staff, students, parents, council representatives, and concerned residents, as well as raised the issue in Parliament.
Ms Cleeland’s petition calling for community support regarding the five school crossings is available to sign online and will be shared with administrator Mr Stephenson.
The petition can be found at: https://www.annabellecleeland.com.au/petitions/.
