Improving Safety at Beeston Street School Entrance

Many families will be familiar with the pedestrian refuge at the Beeston Street entrance to New Farm State School. Over the past few years, this entrance has seen a noticeable increase in both traffic and the number of children walking to school—making safety at this crossing a growing concern.

After raising the issue with Brisbane City Council, I’m pleased to report that they have been very responsive to requests for action. Once the concerns were identified, Council promptly arranged for trees and overhanging branches to be cleared to improve visibility and upgraded the signage around the crossing to enhance driver awareness.

Following a formal traffic and pedestrian count in November 2024, which confirmed significant foot traffic during school drop-off and pick-up hours, Council began considering a longer-term safety upgrade. While the existing refuge allows pedestrians to cross in two stages, it offers no traffic control and can be confusing for both children and drivers.

In exciting news, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has now agreed in principle to fund school crossing supervisors, subject to the installation of a proper Children’s Crossing.

Council is now moving to the design phase, with a Registered Professional Engineer assessing whether a Children’s Crossing (with red and white poles, fluorescent flags, and stop lines) can be implemented using the current island, or if additional physical works will be required.

This is a big step forward in making the Beeston Street entrance safer for our students. Thank you to everyone who has supported this process so far. We’ll keep you updated as the plans progress.

—
Paul Scott
Beeston Street resident and parent