Dropping-off and picking children up from a ‘”gridlocked” Dapto Public School is becoming “more and more dangerous”.
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But parents fear the situation is only going to get worse once the school gets its promised multi-million dollar upgrade, which will see student capacity increase towards 1000 students.
Their concerns that this situation would only increase pressure on infrastructure around the school, were shared by Dapto Chamber of Commerce president Ian Fitzgibbon.
Mr Fitzgibbon, who is also Neighbourhood Forum 8 convener, said residents were rightly concerned that the school itself was growing at a dramatically rapid pace but there were no plans in place for more primary or secondary schools.
“They are also worried about the traffic around the school that gridlocks of an afternoon and morning,” he said.
“Parents are telling us it is dangerous. People are parking where they shouldn’t be because they sort of have no choice.
“The whole thing is just becoming dangerous...there is lots of kids, lots of traffic and lots of movement.
“We just want to see some investigation done on how to improve the traffic flow or what can be done to improve the infrastructure to minimise the danger.
“We’re not complaining. It is about addressing future problems as well.
“The end result is we want to get a better result for the school, the community and look forward to better planning.”
This view is supported by Wollongong councillor Cameron Walters.
The Ward 3 councillor has called on the council to look at options to improve infrastructure around Dapto Public School.
His notice of motion will be debated by fellow councillors on Monday night.
Cr Walters wants council to explore all options that could alleviate the parking and congestion problems that exist around the school during peak hours.
He also wants council to identify the times when the current parking issues impact on the safety of all road users including pedestrian, cycling traffic and motor vehicles.
The Liberal councillor also hopes council can work with the Department of Education to identify options.
“Dapto Public School is serving the largest residential development in the region. It is vital we make sure we deliver infrastructure to keep up with demands,” Cr Walters said.
“I hope councillors get behind it and support the motion so we can look forward towards the future.
“I’m hoping we can get in front of this instead of being too late to the game. We don’t want to be chasing our tail on this.”
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
