Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-02-18 Daily Xml

Contents

NAIRNE PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Road Safety a question about the resolution of a complex traffic problem at Nairne in the Adelaide Hills.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: I understand that the three tiers of government have been working together in order to solve a complex traffic problem near Nairne Primary School. Will the minister explain what work will be undertaken and how this excellent—

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins interjecting:

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: I know the Hon. Mr Dawkins does not have much interest in saving the lives of civilians. If he did he would sit there and be quiet while I ask this important question. All during question time he has consistently interrupted.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wortley should ask his question.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: Will the Minister for Road Safety explain what work will be undertaken and how this excellent result will be achieved?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:12): I heard the word 'opinion' from the other side. Can you believe that, Mr President! I thank the honourable member for his important question. I am pleased to inform the chamber of the latest development in relation to this issue which was raised with me by the Nairne community. I personally visited the site and met with the local mayor, Mr Ferguson, in order to reach a resolution.

A three-way deal totalling $1 million has been struck, in which the District Council of Mount Barker, the federal government and the state government will each contribute $325,000. The end result will be smoother traffic flow and safer pedestrian access for school students on Princes Highway, near its junction with Saleyard Road and Woodside Road.

This funding will allow us to effectively redesign and dramatically upgrade this intersection and address the needs of all road users. The upgrade includes replacing the existing koala crossing with a pedestrian-activated crossing; the provision of separate left and right turn out lanes from Saleyard Road; construction of a pathway from Princes Highway to Nairne Primary School; footpath, kerbing, drainage improvements and a pedestrian refuge on Woodside Road; and installation of a pedestrian crossing over rail tracks on Woodside Road.

This is welcome news for the children who attend Nairne Primary School, the parents who drop them off and residents of this Adelaide Hills community as a whole. As a result of speaking with mayor Ferguson and corresponding with community members, I am certain the community will welcome these changes with open arms. I also thank and acknowledge the support of minister Albanese, along with mayor Ferguson.

This represents an excellent example of the three spheres of government working in partnership to meet the needs of the local community. I am advised it is expected that the work will be targeted to be completed by mid 2009.