Works to improve road safety at Gracemere State School are now complete, thanks to a joint initiative between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Rockhampton Regional Council.
The school was selected to receive improvements as part of the State Government's School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP), which aims to improve road safety and operations around schools.
Infrastructure Councillor Marika Taylor said the upgrades included 13 new parking spaces and speed bumps in the school carpark, important measures to improve safety for everyone.
"Safety around our schools is paramount, and these upgrades will make the carpark not only safer but will improve access during drop‑off and pick‑up," Cr Taylor said.
"The works at Gracemere State School have seen turnaround areas installed at the ends of aisles where it's hard to see to allow for easier and safer U‑turns.
"The upgrades also included new parking spaces, relocated disabled bays to near the main gate, kerb build‑outs and ramps, a redesigned set‑down zone, removal of the concrete median island, and sealing of the grass verge.
"I know having roadworks near a school can be a bit frustrating, so I thank the community for their patience while these works were being completed."
Divisional Councillor Edward Oram welcomed the completion of the works and said Gracemere was fortunate to have two schools selected for improvements, with works for Waraburra State School completed in January.
"These works are important to make sure schools remain safe for students, families, teachers and motorists," Cr Oram said.
"School pick‑up and drop‑off is a busy time of day, and these improvements will help ensure everyone is safe going to and from school."
Gracemere State School was one of three schools in the Rockhampton Region selected to benefit from upgrades under STIP for 2025/26, with Crescent Lagoon State School also receiving upgrades in addition to Waraburra State School.
Since 2018, more than 20 schools across the region have received upgrades under the program.
