URGENT UPDATE: The Wyndham council is demanding that the state government increase its funding for the shared costs of the School Crossing Supervisor Program, a critical initiative for child safety. In a statement released earlier today, Mayor Mia Shaw emphasized the growing financial strain on local councils as they strive to ensure safe crossings for children, with current funding falling short.
The School Crossing Supervisor Program is essential for the safety of students in Wyndham, costing the council approximately $4.1 million annually. However, only $1.3 million of that amount is currently provided by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Mayor Shaw pointed out that the funding model has shifted significantly from the original 50-50 split, with the state now covering only about 30% of the costs.
“The withdrawal of state funding is making it increasingly difficult to maintain this vital program,” Mayor Shaw stated. “We are covering a substantial deficit against the intended funding model, and it’s impacting our ability to ensure child safety.”
Deputy Mayor Josh Gilligan echoed these concerns, criticizing the state government for its negligence towards child safety. “Child safety doesn’t just end with childcare reform,” he said. “The state is putting kids at risk at schools by short-changing millions for school crossings at a time when we’re seeing a local record number of kids going to school.”
The council’s plea is particularly urgent as Wyndham prepares to present this funding issue as one of four key motions to a gathering of other councils in October. The council aims to advocate for a return to a fairer funding model that prioritizes the safety of children, rather than allowing the current disparity to continue.
Families in the area are likely to feel the financial pinch as the state government grapples with record debt, which Gilligan argues is compromising essential services like child safety. “Those living in the east are receiving gold-plated infrastructure like the Suburban Rail Loop while our children’s safety is being sacrificed,” he lamented.
As this situation develops, the council urges residents to voice their concerns and support efforts for a more equitable funding solution. The DTP has been contacted for a response regarding the funding disparities, but no comments have been made public as of yet.
Stay tuned for updates on this pressing situation as the Wyndham council continues to advocate for increased funding to protect the safety of its youngest residents.
