Wollongong councillors have voted to speed up a school safety program. Photo: Google Maps.
Road safety around Wollongong’s schools could be fast-tracked if a new report – and extra funds – are forthcoming.
There are more than 80 schools in the local government area, but many can’t be safely accessed by kids on foot or on their bikes due to safety risks.
These can range from a lack of footpaths to blind corners and abrupt T-intersections.
Wollongong City Council has already developed the Safer School Routes Program, and Labor councillor Dan Hayes is hoping its delivery can be sped up.
He put forward a motion at the April council meeting to propose staff provide councillors with a report this year outlining the challenges to delivering the program, current budget allocations to the project and timeframes.
He hopes the report can help the council be in a position to apply for state and federal grants that could help fast-track the roll-out.
“Since I was elected the majority of conversations I’ve had with the public are around footpaths, accessibility and routes to schools,” he said.
“I tell them we have this Safer Routes to Schools Program, the issue is highlighted in the program and here’s what we’re going to do.
“The next question is always ‘When?’ and often I just don’t know.
“This motion is about getting a better answer to that question.”
Cr Hayes said costed, shovel-ready projects were far more likely to receive grants from the State Government and could be delivered faster too.
Greens councillor Kit Docker said he supported the motion and the safer schools program.
“I know the Montessori School and Cedar Christian School have had their safer schools projects delivered and are delighted,” he said.
“This doesn’t just affect children and parents, it has flow-on effects.
“It’s not good enough to expect children to run across traffic, stand in a refuge and then run across again.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
