The construction of a new drop-off zone is well underway at Walkervale State School, with the project set to be completed during the first term of 2020.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was pleasing to see construction was now underway, with the new area to provide parents with a safer alternative when making the school run.
“This project introduces a drop-off lane by creating a new road reserve that connects two cul-de-sacs at the school’s Hurst Street entry,” he said.
“This allows parents to drop off their children in a designated area on school property, away from local traffic and without having to cross the busy road.”
The zone has been a collaboration between Bundaberg Regional Council, the school, the Department of Education and Department of Transport and Main Roads since 2016.
It was able to come to fruition when Council lodged a funding application to the State Government, with more than $520,000 was allocated through the School Transport Infrastructure Program.
“It's very pleasing to see that all tiers of government have come together to make this project happen and we are very proud to be involved,” Mayor Dempsey said.
Divisional representative Cr John Learmonth said the drop off zone was a welcomed addition to the school and a pleasing result for parents, teachers and the surrounding community.
“School start and finish times can become quite busy within the Walkervale area,” he said.
“With this new drop-off zone underway, it will relieve that traffic pressure and create a much safer environment for all.”
Cr Learmonth said the project would also allow for 23 car parks, including new disability parking.
P&C ecstatic with drop-off zone result
Walkervale State School P&C president Charise Sell lives near the school and said she was ecstatic to see how quickly the project had progressed.
“This drop-off zone is something the committee has been lobbying for a number of years and we are over-the-moon with the progress,” she said.
“It's looking fantastic and the speed that the construction work has been done is amazing.”
Charise said the drop-off zone would help to reduce safety concerns for children in the area.
“Hurst Street has become increasingly busy due to parents driving their children to school so with more cars on the road, it was imperative that this drop-off zone was created,” she said.
“It's all for the safety of the children.”
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