A pilot set up to explore ways to improve the safety of children travelling to and from school was officially launched today.

The pilot – involving 13 schools in Brunswick – delivers on a Victorian Government election commitment to establish a School Safety Panel.

The Panel has been tasked with reducing congestion and improving pedestrian safety at schools across Victoria, in conjunction with local school, local councils, VicRoads and transport operators.

To achieve this, it will explore ways to reduce ‘red tape’, develop further initiatives and remove other barriers confronting school communities seeking to improve safety for students travelling to and from school.

In May, the Panel nominated schools in the Brunswick area for an ‘inner suburban’ pilot. Planning is under way for pilots in outer Melbourne as well as regional Victoria.

The Panel kicked off the Brunswick pilot today with a forum at Brunswick Secondary College, with principals from local government and non-government schools, representatives from Moreland and Yarra councils, representatives from Public Transport Victoria and Brunswick MP Jane Garrett.

Panel members include the secretaries of the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, and chief executive officers of VicRoads and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

The panel is working closely with the Catholic and independent school sectors to ensure the safety of all students – regardless of the school they attend – is protected.

 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino:

“The Victorian Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure our kids get to and from school safely.”

“This pilot project in Brunswick will look at common sense solutions to make sure our kids are safe when travelling to and from school.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Brunswick Jane Garrett:

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to finding new ways to keeping our kids safe around schools.”

“With a growing number of people moving to Brunswick and using our roads, it’s vital that we keep our kids safe when they are travelling to and from schools.”

Schools invited to the Brunswick pilot of the School Safety Panel

Brunswick North West Primary School

Brunswick North Primary School

Brunswick Secondary College

Sydney Road Community School

Brunswick South West Primary school

Moreland Primary School

St Margaret Mary’s School

Brunswick East Primary School

Our Lady Help of Christians School

Merri Creek Primary School

Princes Hill Primary School

Brunswick South Primary School

St Joseph’s School