Local MP calls out crossing cash slash

MEMBER for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has said she’s deeply concerned about the withdrawal of funding by VicRoads for the supervision of school crossings at Heathcote.

“Sadly, we’ve already seen funding cut from school crossings in other parts of the region,” said Ms Cleeland.

“Maintaining supervision for our crossings keeps our children safe and is a drop in the ocean when it comes to the money the Labor government spends on failed infrastructure projects.

“A lack of funding from this State Labor government has left our kids in a dangerous position.

“This happening in the Premier’s own backyard is symptomatic of a government that has such little regard for the health and wellbeing of our children.

“For the last six months, I’ve been raising this issue in Parliament, starting petitions, and writing to the relevant Ministers to request urgent funding for school crossing supervisors.

“I genuinely hope that there is not an accident before this government starts listening.”

Discussions are continuing between the City of Greater Bendigo, Holy Rosary Primary School, and VicRoads on the future of the supervised school crossings at Heathcote.

“The City of Greater Bendigo continues to be in dialogue with Holy Rosary Primary School and VicRoads about steps moving forwards,” said Richie Evans, municipal manager of community and environmental health.

“The City submits funding applications to VicRoads annually and will continue to manage this function on behalf of local schools.

“Based around the number of children utilising a crossing and the volume of traffic, VicRoads applies a formula to determine site eligibility.

“Where a site is eligible, the City receives funding to appoint a crossing supervisor. If a site does not meet the VicRoads criteria then it is not funded.

“The City and a number of other Victorian Councils are engaged with VicRoads about the School Crossings program as we collectively seek safe transport avenues to and from local Greater Bendigo schools.”

VicRoads was contacted for comment about the decision-making process on cuts to school crossing funding at Heathcote, including the data used to underpin the decision. No response from VicRoads was received.

Northen Victoria upper house MP Jaclyn Symes was also contacted for comment, but no response was received before publication.