The City of Hobart is working to make school journeys safer and more active for local students, thanks to support from the Tasmanian Government.
Through the Community Road Safety Grant Program, the City has partnered with Goulburn Street Primary School, South Hobart Primary School, and New Town Primary School to develop School Access Travel Plans.
These plans aim to encourage students to walk, cycle, or catch the bus to school by combining education programs, infrastructure upgrades, and collaboration with school communities.
In 2024, the City endorsed the School Active Travel Plan for Goulburn Street Primary School, identifying key pedestrian safety improvements around the school.
One of the priority projects is at the Forest Road intersections with Frederick Street and Liverpool Crescent, where new pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has been installed. This includes:
- A raised pedestrian threshold or continuous footpath to improve visibility and safety.
- Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI) to assist pedestrians.
- A new pedestrian refuge, kerb upgrades, and coloured concrete surfacing to clearly define safe walking paths.
The project is funded by the State Government's Vulnerable Road User Program, which contributed $140,188, with the City of Hobart contributing $16,562.
The City will continue to seek funding and prioritise improvements identified in school travel plans to support safe and active journeys for all Hobart students.
Quotes to be attributed to Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt:
"Parents want to know their children can get to school safely, whether they're walking, riding or catching the bus.
"These improvements are a practical step toward that goal—and they also help reduce traffic congestion and support healthier lifestyles.
"This is a great example of what can be achieved when local and state governments work together with schools and communities.
"We'll continue to prioritise and seek funding for more projects like this across Hobart."
Quotes to be attributed to Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Scott Tilyard:
"These upgraded pedestrian crossings near Goulburn Street Primary School will make it safer for children walking to and from school, which is exactly the kind of outcome that the Vulnerable Road User Program is designed to deliver.
"Improving road safety is a shared effort and we're proud to support this program alongside local councils to help make our roads safer.
"Creating safer road environments is one of the most effective ways we can protect our most vulnerable road users."
Quotes to be attributed to Goulburn Street Primary School Principal Michael Park:
"Ensuring the safety of our community when walking to and from school is always a high priority.
"We are pleased that some of the danger areas around our school have been fixed with islands and improved access for pedestrians."
