Update on School Crossing Supervisor Program in Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie Shire Council has welcomed news the School Crossing Supervisor Program will continue to be delivered and continue to keep the region’s children safe.

In March Council made the tough decision to exit the program, sending a strong message to the Victorian Government to step up and deliver the program for which it is responsible.

The program was costing Council, and in turn ratepayers, about $50,000 each year despite it being a Victorian Government responsibility.

Mayor, Cr Laura Binks, said Council’s top priority was ensuring the safety of our region’s children.

She thanked the local schools who had provided significant support in Council’s advocacy efforts.

“There is no doubt the School Crossing Supervisor Program is greatly appreciated and needed in our shire,” Cr Binks said.

“All we asked was for the responsible authority to pay for and deliver the program.

“I’m grateful the Department of Transport and Planning has said it will place supervisors at St Johns School, Euroa Primary School, Avenel Primary School and St Joseph’s Catholic School.

“I am concerned the department’s commitment is not ongoing and we are seeking more information about timeframes and what this means into the future.”

Council has also called on the department to rethink its decision to not provide a supervisor at Nagambie Primary School.

“The School Crossing Supervision Program, both the delivery and decision on where crossings are placed, is the responsibility of the Victorian Government,” she said.

“The department has told us Goulburn St, Nagambie is a Council managed road and therefore our responsibility, however we know the department is managing the crossing supervisor role in the same circumstances in Northern Grampians Shire.

“I assure our community we will continue to deliver our legislative responsibilities as detailed in the Road Management Act 2004.

“All we are asking is for the Victorian Government to do the same.”