Safer trek to school

A new footpath leading to a local primary school will see students and families walk and cycle safely to and from Gordon PS when the 2019 school year begins.
Moorabool Shire Council will construct the long-awaited, and much needed path after a funding announcement by Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard of a $50,000 investment to build a footpath between the school and the main road at Gordon.
“Works are expected to get underway over the summer school holiday period and will deliver a much needed safety boost for the students at this great local school,” Mr Howard said.
The new 300-metre footpath upgrade is part of the aim at improving high-risk roads near local schools.
Gordon PS students and families are currently forced to walk on the road or in long grass on their journey to and from the school.
Mr Howard said he was pleased to have been able to deliver this outcome when school principal “Russel Cowan came to me seeking support for improved traffic management and safer access for students at the school.”
Mr Cowan said safety was his primary concern.
“Having the students walking from the main road to school on a footpath will be a major upgrade to their safety, which is paramount,” he said.
“It’s all about student safety.”
Student Chloe said she can walk safely with her younger sisters.
“I can then look after them better and I can go to school having dry feet,” she said.
Gordon PS has grown from 50 students to 130 in 2018, a rise that also creates more traffic on the roads at peak school drop off and pick up times.
“It is great to know students don’t have to walk on roads to school,” Mr Howard said.
The State government is in caretaker mode (Tuesday 30 October, 6pm) until the election on November 24. Mr Howard now retires after 19-years in the seat for Ballarat East/Buninyong.