Safer school runs – Eena Street upgrades improve Yelarbon road safety

Published on 16 January 2025

The Yelarbon State School community will enjoy even safer access once the new school year starts, thanks to upgrades completed during the holidays.

Goondiwindi Regional Council secured a 50% contribution of $61,000 from the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program for the project, which was developed in consultation with the local Yelarbon school.

The work has upgraded a previously unsealed section of shoulder to bitumen on the western side of Eena Street, between Bengalla and Burrel Streets. The two pedestrian crossings connecting the footpath beside the school have also been upgraded as part of the project.

Cr Jason Watts holds Council’s portfolio for Roads and Transport and said the upgrades will improve the safety of the daily school run when the new school year kicks off at the end of this month.

“These works will result in improved safety for all road users and residents in the area, but particularly for the students, parents, and staff of Yelarbon State School,” Cr Watts said. “Particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, the new sealed parking area will improve accessibility and safety for students using the pedestrian crossing.

“While Yelarbon is a small school, it serves the community quite broadly, welcoming students from kindergarten through to Year 6 - as well as a playgroup for young children and babies. This makes safety along Eena Street a particular priority, as it directly impacts the safety of our younger and more vulnerable community members,” he said.

The shoulder upgrades complement similar recent upgrades on Baker Street adjacent to the Goondiwindi State High School earlier in the school holidays. The work also complements Council’s construction of the Eena Street footpath in 2020 and multiple upgrades, including a concrete walkway, on Taloom Street in 2023.

Council engaged a local contractor to undertake the work, which was scheduled to take place during the school holidays to minimise disruption to the school community.

Cr Watts thanked local residents for their patience and cooperation during the works.