In March 2023, Strathbogie Shire decided to exit the School Crossing Supervision Program, asserting that it was the Victorian Government’s responsibility to step up and deliver the program.
Following strong community advocacy, Ms Cleeland said the Victorian Government agreed to fund four of the five school crossings in the region, but had yet to commit to a long-term solution.
Council had previously defended its position to withdraw from the program due to funding concerns.
Still, Ms Cleeland said it was an opportunity for the council to reflect the community’s needs 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.”
After a recent near-miss involving a speeding vehicle at a school crossing, the calls to reinstate supervisors hit fever pitch.
“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 and raised the issue in parliament.
Now, she’s put up a petition calling for community support regarding the five school crossings, which will be shared with interim council administrator Peter Stephenson.
The petition is available to sign at https://www.annabellecleeland.com.au/petitions/
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