PEOPLE POWER WINS AT GLENVALE
Government begins work on car park
GLENVALE State School parents have successfully lobbied the government to build a car park that will improve the safety of students on a dangerous and congested stretch of road.
GLENVALE parents like Melissa Greensill are rejoicing after a swell of support to improve safety at their children’s primary school reached the ears of the State Government.
In an example of grass-roots political action dubbed “the Glenvale Movement”, Education Minister Grace Grace revealed the department was taking the first steps to build a new car park next to Glenvale State School.
The key piece of infrastructure has been demanded by parents who were concerned about children crossing the busy Glenvale Rd on school days.
Responding to one of two petitions started by Mrs Greensill, Ms Grace said negotiations with the Toowoomba Regional Council had begun to find a space for the car park.
“In relation to Glenvale State School, I am pleased to inform you that the council has provided initial concept designs for car parking options on the school’s eastern boundary,” she wrote on Friday.
“The department has offered to excise this portion of the site to allow the car park to proceed and I understand negotiations are currently progressing.”
The car park would relieve congestion on Glenvale Rd at the school, which has 2200 vehicles drive past it every day.
Mrs Greensill, whose petitions were signed by 1000 people, said she was quietly celebrating but knew more work was needed.
“I’m hopeful that the people that have the power, both state and local, come together and renew the community’s faith in protecting the children at Glenvale,” she said.
“Let it be a lesson to people that they can raise issues – it is up to them to let the politicians know what is and isn’t ok.
“There’s no price on a child’s life – (the risk of one being hurt) is growing every day.”
Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki, who has been an advocate for the car park and promised $500,000 during the previous campaign to build it, still had questions around funding.
“One thing that letter doesn’t say is, who is going to fund this?” he said.
“I still haven’t heard any commitment as to actually funding this project.
“Thus far, it’s just been administrative talk, which is vital, but I want to see some money involved.”
Mayor Paul Antonio said the relevant councillors would continue the negotiations and design work.
IT IS UP TO RESIDENTS TO LET THE POLITICIANS KNOW WHAT IS AND ISN’T OK. MELISSA GREENSILL