To 11 schools in the Rockhampton Region, safety improvements are coming, courtesy of more than $2.7 million from the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ (TMR) School Transport Infrastructure Program.
Funding allocated will be for tailoring upgrades at schools from Gracemere through to Kawana on intersection modifications, new footpaths, enhanced pedestrian facilities, and improved parking.
Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said one of the key concerns is to keep children safe on their way to and back from school.
“Our school children are some of our most vulnerable road users, and I’m pleased to have the State’s support in addressing these road safety challenges, Mr Williams said.
Mayor Williams also said this on the heels of previous successes with the STIP program, realizing tangible improvements in school zone safety across the Region.
“Since 2018, this program has made an incredible difference in our Region, with now over 20 schools seeing improvements, and an additional 11, as part of this announcement,” Mayor Williams said.
Schools slated for improvement are
- State High School Rockhampton
- State School Glenmore
- State School Berserker
- State School Waraburra
- Primary St Mary’s School
- Primary St Paul’s School
- Emmaus College
- The Cathedral College
Council also secured funding for three new projects under the 2024/25 STIP round, taking it to eleven projects in total. Works will be carried out on Crescent Lagoon State School, Gracemere State School and Waraburra State School during the 2025/26 financial year.
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the upgrades will make it easier for students, parents, caregivers, and other road users to find their way around schools safely.
Councillor Taylor said the works will, where possible, be scheduled during school holidays in an effort to minimize disruption, with construction completed at St Mary’s Primary School and already underway at Berserker State School and St Paul’s Primary School.
“As we roll out these upgrades, it’s vital for everyone within the community to remember their part in maintaining children’s safety around schools,” said Cr Taylor.
“Drivers need to slow down, pay attention, and be much more careful during peak school times.”
St Mary’s Primary School Principal Simon Warren said the works at the back of the school would be finished by this afternoon.
Mr Warren expressed his gratitude to the state government and Rockhampton Regional Council for sanctioning these activities towards actual working.
“The new pathways give our parents, caregivers, and students easier access to all facilities”.
“It promotes healthier lifestyles by encouraging families to walk to and from school safely which also helps reduce traffic congestion.”
