SENATOR THE HON ANTHONY CHISHOLM
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE - SCHOOL YEAR STARTS WITH SAFER SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS REGIONAL NSW
As the new school year gets underway, parents and students across regional NSW can feel reassured knowing that hundreds of school zones are now safer following upgrades delivered through the School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program.
Since its launch in 2020, this over $40 million investment by the Australian and NSW governments has enabled the NSW Government and local councils to implement 474 critical safety improvements on roads near schools in regional and rural areas.
These improvements have enhanced safety and accessibility in school zones, making it easier for both drivers and pedestrians to navigate these areas.
In towns and communities across regional NSW, these upgrades include:
- raising pedestrian ‘wombat’ crossings and pedestrian ‘blisters’
- creation of “kiss and drop” locations along with installing signage
- installation of pedestrian refuges and zebra crossings
- installation of new kerb ramps, pedestrian fencing and lighting
- installation of traffic signals
- installation and upgrades of footpaths and shared paths
- signage upgrades
- repainting and replenishing faded “Dragon's Teeth” markings on roadways
- guttering and pathway to provide safe access between bus stop and school.
From Bega to Broken Hill and the Richmond Valley, these road safety infrastructure projects have delivered significant improvements to local schools across regional NSW.
The School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program is part of a broader $1.18 billion investment from the Australian and NSW Governments under the Road Safety Program and has played a crucial role in enhancing safety.
These projects were designed to protect vulnerable road users, reduce road trauma and save lives, and supported more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, as the economy recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information visit the Transport for NSW website here.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:
“Important investments like these will keep students and parents safe on the streets that surround NSW schools, and are part of our collective commitment to significantly reduce the number of incidents on our roads.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for working constructively with us on road safety projects such as these, which are critical to helping bring down the number of lives lost on NSW roads.
“These upgrades form part of the Federal Government’s commitment under the Road Safety Program to work in partnership with the states and territories to fund priority road safety works across the nation.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
“Ensuring the safety of our students as they travel to and from school is a high priority for the NSW Government. The enhancements made through the School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program will not only protect our young road users but also provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
"Our collaboration with the Federal Government and local councils has been instrumental in delivering these vital safety improvements. From raising pedestrian crossings to installing new signage, every enhancement is designed to make our roads safer for everyone.
"As we welcome students back to school, let’s remember that road safety is a shared responsibility. I urge all drivers to stay vigilant in school zones, ensuring our children arrive at school safely."
ENDS
Media contacts:
Assistant Minister Chisholm – James Laidler 0458 729 475
Minister Aitchison – Wendy Fitzgibbon 0408 427 540
