By Callum Ludwig
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish is calling for upgrades to road safety in the Yarra Ranges, again asking in state Parliament this week for electronic speed signs to be implemented in the school zone on the Warburton Highway near Wesburn Primary School.
She also put forward a push for a pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River at Woods Point Rd which would link to the Warburton Rail Trail.
Ms McLeish said her six-year push for the speed signs has been frustrating.
“For years, I have been helping the school advocate to make things safer for the students and crossing supervisors,” she said.
“It’s a big sweeping bend and the weather in Wesburn, sitting at the bottom of Mt Donna Buang, it’s not always perfect, and the speed limit chops and changes all the way.Electronic speed signs would be better for warning the traffic.”
The proposition has previously been quashed on the basis of the 50km/h speed limit in the area and traffic volumes.
Ms McLeish thinks this argument is unreasonable given other factors.
“Tell that to the school and to the families who are worried about this. Warburton Highway has a lot of heavy vehicle traffic, even though it’s been less due to Covid,” she said.
“With all of the buses and cars, I think that the kids at Wesburn Primary School really need to be looked after.”
Similar projects are included under the State Government’s $6.5 million Pedestrian and Safe Schools regional program with the aim of improving poor visibility and speed compliance outside schools.
On her proposal for a pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River, Ms McLeish said it would also help kids get to school safely.
“It’s quite rural heading out from East Warburton, but the rail trail there is wonderful for people. A lot of kids in the area would like to be able to get on their bikes and ride to school safely, but they can’t actually cross the river without coming onto the road where the traffic is,” she said.
“The school teachers and the school community are really concerned. The school (Millwarra Primary School’s East Warburton campus) does days where they’re all out on a full day or for a few hours on their bikes.”
For bike events like those, parents and even local police have had to be on hand to stop traffic and allow children to cross the road safely, often copping abuse from drivers while doing so.
Ms McLeish said she hopes in the next round of funding for safer pedestrian crossings, a potential bridge will receive some.
“I would like to think that they could make it available and extended to get a safe crossing,” she said.
“It would have to be a pedestrian bridge beside the main bridge so that they can safely cross the Yarra River there.”
Star Mail reached out to the State Government for a response, and a Government Spokesperson said they continue to monitor Warburton Highway and Woods Point Road in East Warburton to ensure it is safe for all road users, especially pedestrians and school children.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to the safety of children around schools. As students come to and from school it’s important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be aware and take extra care during peak periods,” the spokesperson said.
“We know school children are some of our most vulnerable road users, which is why we will continue to monitor safety around Wesburn Primary School to determine if further safety measures are required.”
