Council Commits to School Crossing Supervisors in 2027
Published on 14 October 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council will continue to support the supervision of existing school crossings after rescinding the 2021 Council resolution to return School Crossing Supervisor service management to the Department of Transport and Planning.
Council has committed to funding the service in 2027 through Council’s annual budget process supporting supervisors at Kennedy Street, French Street, Gray Street (Gray Street Primary), George Street (George Street Primary), Ballarat Road (Monivae College and St Mary’s Primary School), Martin Street (Penshurst Primary and St Josephs Primary), and Hamilton Highway (Tarrington Lutheran School).
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said Council had carefully considered the immediate future of the school crossing supervisor service and recognised the strong value it provides to local families and school communities.
"School crossing supervisors play an important role in helping keep our children safe and providing peace of mind for parents, carers and schools each day," Cr Heslin said.
"While external funding for the service has again reduced, Council believes maintaining the service at this time is the right decision for our community.”
During the 2026/27 financial year, Council expects to receive a subsidy of approximately $46,000 through the Department of Transport and Planning's School Crossing Supervisor Program. Annual operating costs for the supervision of crossings exceeds $130,000, requiring a Council contribution of approximately $84,000. This funding gap is expected to increase during the period in which the service continues due to wage growth and escalating operational costs.
Council acknowledged that recent school crossing infrastructure upgrades delivered through the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program have significantly improved safety outcomes for students, families and other pedestrians, reducing vehicle speeds, improving pedestrian visibility and creating safer crossing points for people travelling to and from school.
While these upgrades have enhanced the overall safety of school crossing locations, Council has been advised by the Department crossings upgraded with contemporary safety treatments, including raised pedestrian crossings, are not eligible for funding under the School Crossing Supervisor Program.
Despite the reduction in external funding, Council recognises the ongoing value of school crossing supervisors in providing an additional layer of safety and reassurance for pedestrians.
Cr Heslin said Council would continue to advocate for increased State Government support for school crossing services.
"Council has participated in advocacy efforts aimed at securing greater State Government funding for these essential services, and we will continue to do so," he concluded.
Future funding requirements will be managed through Council's budget planning processes with regular service reviews to ensure the service remains sustainable while continuing to meet community needs. The next review is scheduled for December 2027.