UPDATE: Hume Council has just announced an urgent initiative to tackle escalating traffic congestion around local schools, specifically targeting Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Gilgai Plains Primary School. During a council meeting on February 23, 2023, Councillor Ally Watson secured support for a plan to install marked parallel parking bays, a move aimed at improving safety and easing frustration for parents during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
The decision comes as traffic congestion near these schools has reached critical levels, reflecting the rapid growth of the area. “The infrastructure isn’t keeping pace, public transport is limited, and car dependency is very high,” Cr Watson highlighted, noting the urgent need for a solution. “At drop-off and pick-up, the congestion peaks fast. We’re not calling for a multi-million dollar fix; what we need is clear line marking,” she emphasized.
Currently, both schools feature spacious parking lanes, but the lack of defined parking bays leads to inconsistent parking practices. “Cars are banked up, drivers are circling around, and parents are frustrated,” Cr Watson stated. “It stretches our streets beyond what they were designed to handle.”
The proposed plan, which costs approximately $5,000 for the two primary schools, aims to maximize every meter of road space. “Clearly defined lines reduce the ‘one more lap’ syndrome and improve flow, safety, and common-sense parking,” she added.
Looking ahead, Hume Council is considering a total investment of $20,000 for parallel park line markings at schools across the municipality in the upcoming 2026/27 budget. This initiative is expected to have an immediate impact, providing relief for families facing mounting congestion.
Cr Watson expressed gratitude to residents who voiced concerns about safety and the lack of school crossings. “We will address line marking through this motion,” she reassured them. Meanwhile, Councillor Daniel English pointed out that resident safety concerns could be better managed through increased road rule enforcement. “Forty-kilometer zones and speed bumps won’t work without proper enforcement,” he insisted. “I hope local members push for better enforcement through new police stations and crossings.”
As Hume Council moves forward with these plans, residents are urged to stay informed about developments that could drastically improve safety and ease traffic woes around schools. The community’s proactive approach highlights the collective effort to support growing families in the area. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
