By AIDAN KNIGHT
A GROUP of concerned parents say Latrobe City Council’s inaction on establishing a safe bus stop on Switchback Road, Churchill is putting children at risk on the busy road.
The families, representing their 13 children who commute to Baringa Special School, allege they have repeatedly appealed to Latrobe City Council to install a formalised bus stop, only to be ignored.
On multiple occasions, according to the parent group, there has been “heavy machinery” parked and/or operated directly on the same section of road the bus makes its pickup from, by workers employed by council.
They say the lack of a designated stop leaves both drivers and students vulnerable.
“If there was a dedicated bus stop there, they wouldn’t be doing it there – it’s a visual cue that these kids get picked up,” one parent told the Express.
The same parent said it “doesn’t make sense” that when they phoned council to raise safety concerns, they were placed on hold to a pre-recorded message about supporting residents with disabilities.
Another child’s mother described this as “an absolute joke”, and a double-standard that the organisation advertise support for disability communities but seemingly will not follow through when asked for assistance.
Previously, the bus would pick up students closer to the Churchill Police Station, but this became an issue when more police vehicles began parking on the space, making it impossible for the bus driver to continue doing so.
Parents say the situation has persisted for close to a year without progress.
“We don’t have a stop sign. We don’t have anything indicating a bus stop,” one parent said.
“There’s nothing even telling motorists that it’s a special school bus stop. The kids are getting wet in the winter … and in the summer, they’re standing in scorching heat – there’s nothing.”
Others described the challenge of keeping more vulnerable children safe and contained at the makeshift stop, which is simply a patch of grass between the Churchill roundabout and the police station.
“You’re trying to control these children who are running off in every direction,” another parent said.
Attempts to secure council support have been frustrating.
“They just keep passing the blame back and forth between council and Transport Victoria. No one is taking responsibility.”
The situation has forced parents and children to wait outside in harsh weather or remain sitting in cars, while older kids sometimes walk unprotected along the roadside.
When asked for comment, a Latrobe City Council spokesperson said the organisation is aware of the concerns raised.
“Latrobe City Council is aware of concerns raised regarding school bus pick-up arrangements on Switchback Rd, Churchill, and understands the importance of ensuring safe and accessible transport for all students, including those attending Baringa Special School,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson emphasised that council does not manage school bus routes or associated infrastructure.
“While council does not manage school bus routes or associated infrastructure for either government or non-government schools, we have been requesting the relevant authorities to explore improvements at this location. Council has been liaising with Public Transport Victoria (PTV), including submitting a request in August seeking endorsement of changing a bus stop location to support a new bus shelter request on Switchback Road.”
Regarding parent concerns about heavy machinery positioned near the temporary stop, the spokesperson said:
“Operational works occasionally require temporary presence on roadsides. However, council does not intentionally position heavy equipment in a manner that would compromise community safety. If any activity has caused concern, we welcome residents to report it so it can be addressed promptly.”
The spokesperson said council will continue advocacy efforts.
“Council will continue working with PTV, local residents and relevant stakeholders to support safe and practical solutions for school bus access in Churchill.”
For now, parents say their children will continue waiting on the roadside each morning – until one of the authorities involved takes responsibility for delivering a formal bus stop, while families simply hope for a resolution before a child is hurt.
