Investing in school transport infrastructure and safety across the state

Published Thursday, 14 September, 2023 at 10:50 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

  • Fifty-two projects will receive funding under the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP)
  • A further 100 schools will have flashing school zone signs (FSZS) installed to improve safety around schools
  • Since 2018, more than 140 STIP projects have been approved with over 90 complete.
  • The installation of the final 100 FSZS will see the completion of a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.

Queensland schools are set to benefit from a range of safety and improvement initiatives with more than $8.95 million of funding allocated for 52 projects which will deliver safety and operational improvements at schools across the state.

STIP is open to all schools across Queensland and with many projects including a funding contribution from the road authority or school, the overall value of the STIP infrastructure improvements is over $12 million.

The next tranche of projects will deliver a range of upgrades to schools including:

  • Trinity Anglican School, Kewarra Beach Campus, in Cairns upgrading its stop,drop and go zone, car park and installing shelters;
  • Bounty Boulevard State School in North Lakes installing a covered waiting area, including seating and fencing; and,
  • Blackwater North State School in Blackwater delivering safety treatment works at the pedestrian crossing in Williams Street.

Since the program launched in 2018, more than 140 school transport infrastructure projects have been approved with over 90 already completed, helping protect children, one of our most vulnerable road user groups, on their way to and from school.

The FSZS program is based on a risk-assessment methodology which compares all school zones in Queensland to determine which school zones would benefit the most from the technology.

School zones with a significant crash history, a high level of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, higher speed limits or visibility problems are prioritised.

This final tranche of 100 school zones across the state will complete the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitment to deliver FSZS at 300 school zones across the state.

The FSZS program for 2023-24 is funded by the Camera Detected Offence Program (CDOP).

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“The School Transport Infrastructure and Flashing School Zone Sign programs have been incredibly successful at making road infrastructure around Queensland schools safer.

“We are continuing this funding to deliver even more school transport infrastructure improvements across the state.

“The School Transport Infrastructure Program is open to state and non-state schools, and applications can be made by parents and citizens associations, members of the community, road authorities, and schools too.

“Importantly, these projects help to create jobs for local businesses and contractors, with an average of 15 jobs supported over the life of the program of works.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial relations, and Minister for Racing Grace Grace:

“The School Transport Infrastructure Program has been crucial in delivering new car parks, pedestrian crossings, “stop, drop and go” zones, bus and vehicle turnarounds, footpaths, and dedicated turning lanes around Queensland.

“Coupled with the installation of flashing school zone signs at 300 locations across the state, this investment benefits all road users, particularly children travelling to and from school.”

Further information:

School Transport Infrastructure Program (Department of Transport and Main Roads) (tmr.qld.gov.au)

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Bailey office – ministerbaileymedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au