Lindenow South Primary School, East Gippsland Shire Council and local police have joined forces for improved safety at the school’s children crossing.
It comes the same week the school received almost $1 million in funding to build a new toilet block and replace the playground.
Officers from East Gippsland Highway Patrol and Proactive Units teamed up with local shire representatives, including mayor, Cr Tom Crook, and the Lindenow South Primary School last Thursday, uniting in their dedication to safeguarding the lives of students who use the school crossing.
Recent observations have brought disconcerting behaviour to light, as some drivers, especially those in command of heavy vehicles, are dismissing the 40km/h speed limit surrounding the school.
The disregard for safety has prompted police to pledge their vigilance to the area, ensuring the speed limit is enforced.
With the population of Lindenow South predicted to increase, East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Tom Crook, said the problem will only continue to grow.
“This is a serious problem and this school and community aren’t going anywhere,” Cr Crook said.
“this is an issue that will just keep growing.”
Ideas which the school is considering include speed bumps, rumble strips and flashing 40km/h signs to encourage drivers to slow down.
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The Department of Transport and Planning has not received any recent requests for additional safety measures for this section of Lindenow-Glenaladale Road in Lindenow South.
When considering safety improvements, the Department of Transport and Planning consults extensively with stakeholders, including Victoria Police and the local community.
“Keeping everyone safe on our roads is our number one priority, especially children who are some of our most vulnerable road users,” executive director (Gippsland), Department of Transport and Planning, Beth Liley, said.
“We always welcome school communities to discuss concerns or proposals for any other safety measures in their vicinity with us.”
“All road users are urged to pay attention and follow the road rules when travelling, and to always slow down to 40km/h in school zones.”
UPGRADE BOOST
The latest round of the Federal Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund will deliver around $48 million in vital infrastructure projects for Victorian public schools.
One of the recipients, Lindenow South Primary School, has received a staggering $900,000 to upgrade facilities.
After only applying for a $250,000 grant, the news they’d received almost four times as much was a shock.
“We got the phone call from Federal Senator, Raff Ciccone, offering his congratulations,” staff member Jenny Dalli said.
“There were a lot of tears, $900,000 is like $5 million to us here.”
Under round two of the Schools Upgrade Fund, nine public schools across Gippsland will each benefit from funding to build or upgrade infrastructure.
The successful projects include upgrading classrooms, installing new playground equipment, and resurfacing and upgrading sporting facilities.
The successful projects in Gippsland include:
– $1,290,451 to build an inclusive playground and play space at Mallacoota P-12 College.
– $1,025,642 to replace the toilet blocks and covered verandah at Swifts Creek P-12 School.
“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” Minister for Education Jason Clare said.
“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to new outdoor equipment and replacing demountables, this funding will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most.
“This is another important step in building a better and fairer education system.”
Public schools which haven’t received significant capital funding in the last two years were also prioritised.
Round two was open to all public schools and applications closed in February.
Schools submitted their projects to their relevant state and territory education departments which made recommendations to the Australian Government.
