The next tranche of the Queensland School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) is set to deliver $14.1 million of safety and operational improvements to schools across the state.
46 new projects are set to receive contributions, bringing the overall value of the STIP infrastructure improvements to $17.5 million.
This tranche of projects will deliver a range of upgrades to schools including:
- Golden Beach State School, $416,000 – upgrade of school pathway with better pedestrian connections
- Applethorpe State School, $305,000 – construction of a turning lane and upgrade to the carpark
- Woorabinda State School, $112,000 – installation of a new children’s crossing and footpath in Carbine Street
- Goomeri State School, $296,000 (jointly funded) – construction of new wombat crossing and footpath
- Cooktown State School, $454,000 – construction of new pavement and sprayed seal for car park, relocation of current bus zone
Since the program launched in 2018, 231 school transport infrastructure projects have been approved with 157 already completed, helping protect children as they travel to and from school.
STIP is designed to integrate with other existing Queensland Government school-related road safety initiatives such as the Flashing School Zone Signs Program (FSZS), School Crossing Supervisors Scheme and Community Road Safety Grants.
Flashing School Zone Signs remind motorists to slow down through school zones and to be on the lookout for students and their families.
$30.5 million has been allocated in the 2024-25 to 2027-28 Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program, funded from the Camera Detected Offence Program to support future installation at high-risk sites around the state, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance of existing FSZS in the field, including signage enhancements.
As of 21 August 2024, FSZS have been installed at 1,438 school zones across Queensland. Additionally, a further 102 school zones will have signs installed by 30 June 2025.
Working together, these initiatives benefit all road users, particularly children as they travel to and from school.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, said that STIP has been incredibly successful, improving the safety and operation of schools through dedicated infrastructure projects that target road safety.
“The safety of school children is a priority,” Minister Mellish said.
“They are one of our most vulnerable road users and we will continue to work hard to support long-term solutions to school road safety issues.
“The Flashing School Zone Signs program complements the School Transport Infrastructure Program, actively reminding drivers of the presence of school children and school crossing supervisors.
“The School Transport Infrastructure Program funding is open to all schools. Ideas for School Transport Infrastructure Program projects can be submitted by schools, parents and citizens associations, as well as members of the community and road authorities.
“These newly approved projects support local businesses and contractors across Queensland.”
Queensland Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Di Farmer, said that the government wants to make sure the journey to and from schools is safe for students, families and dedicated school crossing supervisors.
“Everyone has a responsibility to the safety of our children in and around schools,” Minister Farmer said.
“Drivers need to make sure they slow down and be on the lookout for students and their families. Our government will continue to invest in upgrades, such as these to improve safety in and around schools.”
Image: MJConline/shutterstock.com
