Upgrades under way for safer access to Goondiwindi State High School

Published on 09 December 2024

Goondiwindi State High School will soon have even safer access thanks to a new extension of footpath and kerb as well as upgraded sealed parking spaces on Baker Street.

Goondiwindi Regional Council has secured a contribution of $80,000 through the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) for the project, which has been developed in consultation with the school.

The upgrades will extend the existing concrete footpath and kerb on the north-western end of Baker Street between the school and the corner of Marsh Street. The unsealed shoulder (where students currently park their vehicles) will also be upgraded to a bitumen seal, with further improvements to drainage.

The pedestrian crossings outside the Goondiwindi State High School and parking areas on Sandhurst Street will not be affected.

Cr Jason Watts holds Council’s portfolio for Transport, Roads and Youth, and said the upgrades will result in a safer journey to and from school for students and staff.

“The key aspect for me in these upgrades is the improved safety of the footpath extension,” Cr Watts said. “This means safer access between the school and the on-street parking on the northern end of the street.”

Council has engaged a local contractor to undertake some of the works, which are expected to be completed later this month (weather permitting).

Cr Watts has thanked residents and the school community for their patience while the works are delivered.

“We are hoping to have this done and finished before Christmas – weather permitting - so we’re ready to go for when the new school year kicks off in January,” Cr Watts said.

“There may be some disruptions to parking and property access during these upgrades, but our team always aim to keep these to a minimum. The team is working diligently to complete the upgrades as efficiently as possible, so I want to thank parents and school community for their patience as we get started while term’s still on,” he said.

“I also wish to acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government for its support of this project through the STIP, which provides funding to improve the safety and operation of schools through new or improved transport infrastructure.”