30 years of safer school road crossings

Queensland school children are celebrating three decades of safer road crossings, with the first school crossing supervisor introduced 30 years ago.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson, Minister for Education, Training and Employment John Paul Langbroek and Member for Ipswich Ian Berry celebrated the milestone with Queensland’s longest serving supervisor in Ipswich.

“It was great to congratulate Geoffrey Watson at Ipswich Central State School. Since 1984 Mr Watson has played a crucial role in protecting children as they travel to and from school.” Mr Emerson said.

“Since the scheme has been operating, not a single fatality has occurred at a supervised crossing.

“Making the journey to school as safe as possible is part of our strong plan for a brighter future for Queensland kids.”

Mr Langbroek said safety in and out of the classroom was a top priority for the Newman Government.

“At the start and end of the day, when there is often a lot of excitement, school crossing supervisors play an important role in keeping students safe,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We know for a fact that schools thrive when their communities get involved and school crossing supervisors are often active and engaged locals who are proud to support their schools. 

“I would like to thank and congratulate the many school crossing supervisors who have dedicated their time to keep our children safe and I am pleased to acknowledge Mr Watson, who is one of only 14 supervisors who has been a part of this journey since it started.”

Mr Berry congratulated Mr Watson on this exciting milestone.

“These supervisors play a vital role in our community and not only assist children to safely cross the road, they also educate them on safe road crossing practices,” Mr Berry said.

“The LNP Government is committed to a safer road environment around our schools, demonstrated by our flashing school light initiative.

“There are currently four schools in Ipswich that have received flashing school lights under this program.”

255 schools adopted the School Crossing Supervisor program when it was first launched and there are now 1,210 crossings, staffed by over 1,900 supervisors at 652 Queensland schools.

Supervised school crossings are a partnership between the Queensland Government, local councils and the school community.

[ENDS] 29 May 2014

Media contact: Minister Emerson: Sarah Henderson 0409 827 773

Minister Langbroek: Amy Cobb 0418 996 503     Mr Berry: 3202 3452