New safety measures

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council will undertake extensive road safety measures around Warwick State High School, despite its engineers saying there is no abnormal safety risk.
The council was responding to community concerns over the issue and after widespread community consultation.
Councillors were also scathing about the State Government’s role in safety near schools.
“We spend a huge amount retro-fitting school safety around schools,” engineering services director Peter See said.
Mr See recommended the $11,000 outlay to improve pedestrian safety despite three engineers on council staff being doubtful of the benefit.
“We don’t think there is a safety issue,” Mr See said.
Mayor Peter Blundell said it was frustrating that the state left the problem to local government.
“The State Government takes no responsibility outside the school grounds,” he said.
Any concerns over student safety now were going to be compounded when Year 7 students come to high school in 2015, adding another 200 students and their teachers, councillors were told.
Councillors discussed a long-term need to relocate the Senior Citizens’ Centre from its Albert St location adjacent to the school.
The council will:
n Install a painted pedestrian refuge between Victoria and Albert streets in Palmerin Street;
n A painted pedestrian refuge between Guy and Palmerin streets in Albert St;
n Make Albert St a drop-off zone in peak hours; and
n Enforce parking restrictions in Palmerin Street near the school.