Published Thursday, 12 June, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Government locks in funding for split-campus crossing
The Bligh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the safety of St Mary’s students in Warwick, with funding for a crossing to link the school’s campuses included in the new Roads Implementation Program (RIP).
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the RIP included a total of $7.5 million for a safe crossing to separate students from traffic at St Mary’s Primary School, on Palmerin Street.
"A total of $2.5 million has been allocated in the next financial year to finalise consultation and planning, to carry out detailed design and to get construction started,” Mr Pitt said.
“A further allocation of funding will be made in 2009–10 to finalise the project, which is expected to cost $7.5 million.
"This funding commitment is an assurance to the Warwick community that Main Roads is committed to improving the safety of students travelling between the split campuses.
"Following an extensive community consultation phase, the project board is now working towards making a final decision at the end of June on whether to build an overpass or an underpass."
Mr Pitt said that of 34 split-campus schools that were reviewed throughout the state, St Mary's school was one of four that had been recognised as needing a longer-term solution to separate students from traffic flows.
"Main Roads has worked closely with the school to ensure we have developed a solution that suits student and staff needs, and creates a safer passage between the two school campuses," he said.
Main Roads Darling Downs Regional Director Tony Platz said that after assessing all feedback and views, the project board was close to making a decision.
"Main Roads has already started consultation with those landowners potentially affected by the project. Eliminating the use of ramps in both the overpass or underpass designs will reduce the amount of land needed,” Mr Platz said.
"Further feedback from property owners, the school and parish community, heritage group, council and the environmental group will also be sought when we commence detailed designs and layouts on the final option in July.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the RIP included a total of $7.5 million for a safe crossing to separate students from traffic at St Mary’s Primary School, on Palmerin Street.
"A total of $2.5 million has been allocated in the next financial year to finalise consultation and planning, to carry out detailed design and to get construction started,” Mr Pitt said.
“A further allocation of funding will be made in 2009–10 to finalise the project, which is expected to cost $7.5 million.
"This funding commitment is an assurance to the Warwick community that Main Roads is committed to improving the safety of students travelling between the split campuses.
"Following an extensive community consultation phase, the project board is now working towards making a final decision at the end of June on whether to build an overpass or an underpass."
Mr Pitt said that of 34 split-campus schools that were reviewed throughout the state, St Mary's school was one of four that had been recognised as needing a longer-term solution to separate students from traffic flows.
"Main Roads has worked closely with the school to ensure we have developed a solution that suits student and staff needs, and creates a safer passage between the two school campuses," he said.
Main Roads Darling Downs Regional Director Tony Platz said that after assessing all feedback and views, the project board was close to making a decision.
"Main Roads has already started consultation with those landowners potentially affected by the project. Eliminating the use of ramps in both the overpass or underpass designs will reduce the amount of land needed,” Mr Platz said.
"Further feedback from property owners, the school and parish community, heritage group, council and the environmental group will also be sought when we commence detailed designs and layouts on the final option in July.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819