By Jessica Anstice
Berwick Chase Primary School currently has 888 students and even with new schools in the pipeline, the school is predicted to grow for the next few years.
“We encourage our students to walk, ride and scoot to school where appropriate,” principal Chris Short said.
“As part of this commitment the school has allowed school children to enter and exit the rear of the school adjacent to Bernly Boulevard.”
The land between the school and the road is currently owned by the developer who is scheduled to hand the land over to the council shortly.
“We have been working with the developer to put bollards in to ensure cars are parked appropriately along Bernly Boulevard,” he said.
“Initially they agreed that this was required and made a commitment to install the bollards.
“In our most recent correspondence they informed us that City of Casey council had informed them that the instillation of the bollards is still required however it was not a priority as this was not integral to the council’s plans.”
The developer now has 12 months to install the bollards.
“We were also informed that in council’s opinion there was no official gate so the fence would be re-instated and students would no longer be able to exit through the back of the school,” Mr Short said.
“When the developer asked on our behalf about the school’s request to put in a gravel path for all weather access the developer was told that this is not in the plans and would not be approved.”
School council member Matt McMaster said it is a huge safety concern as parents are parking on the grass that children walk on and teachers need to be on duty out there keeping cars off the area.
“I would like to see a pathway built for people to get across safely, safety bollards and a crossing with a supervisor,” he said.
“It wouldn’t be that expensive. We’re going to start an online petition to get action from the developer and council.
“We’re keen to see something done.”
Parent Lisa Bugal said there was a near miss accident recently on the land when a student was almost hit by a car.
Council sent a letter out to residents on along Bernly Boulevard on 31 May stating 40km/h signage will be installed along the street.
