Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Bass Coast Shire Council calls on Victorian government to provide sufficient funding for school crossings to better protect kids

Bass Coast Shire Council strongly urges the Victorian government to provide sufficient funding to secure the future of the stressed school crossings program - or risk putting pupils in increasing danger.

By news@gippsland - 18th November 2022 - Back to News

Victoria's school crossing supervisor program is not fit for purpose, due to a desperate need for drastic funding increases, reveal Victorian councils who have been ill-equipped by the State. The entire program - essential for the safety of school children - is under perilous pressure, revealed a survey of 40 councils across the state, which led to council's call.

Billson Street, Wonthaggi school crossing

Safe routes to schools

The survey found that:

• 97 percent of councils have unsupervised crossing sessions
• 82 percent regularly face staff shortages
• 87 percent consider the system no longer fit for purpose

Issues with the program under Bass Coast Shire Council are driven by severe school crossing staff shortages - including staff being seconded from other duties - due to the lack of state funding.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Whelan said, "Safe routes to schools are a priority for council, but a lack of support and funding certainty from the Victorian government means delivery of a safe, sustainable program is becoming impossible. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) rightly states that councils have no commitment from the Victorian government to fund the service beyond Term 2 next year."

"The short-term nature of these funding commitments combined with the state's failure to maintain a true partnership with council makes planning and delivering the program extremely challenging. This is not just about funding. Councils ask the Victorian government to respectfully collaborate with us to ensure every municipality has a safe solution for their young people." Cr Whelan said.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com