By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
VICROADS, Cardinia Shire Council and the Victorian Department of Education are passing the buck on the safety of children at a local primary school.
The carpark across the road from Bayles Regional Primary School has been run down for some time, with parents voicing their concerns about the safety of the area.
After contacting all three parties, the Pakenham Gazette can reveal that none were willing to claim responsibility for the carpark, which is covered in large potholes.
VicRoads spokesperson Jarryd Stokes said last week that upkeep of the carpark was the responsibility of Cardinia Shire Council.
“We are responsible for roads and immediate roadside drainage. Anything off the road isn’t our responsibility, and we’ve worked with the school to ensure they understand that.”
He said that VicRoads representatives had visited the site and inspected the carpak.
“We went out and had a look at the carpark a couple of days ago. It is the council’s responsibility.”
Though the Department of Education would not directly respond to inquiries, a statement released by school principal Mat Anderton said he also hoped to work with council to resolve the problem.
“While it is a safety issue and is causing some grief for our parents and students during school drop-off and pick up time, the school community will endeavour to work with the Cardinia Shire Council to resolve the problem,” he said.
“Ultimately, we want a solution that will result in our parents having suitable parking around the school, in a well-maintained area that is safe for all community members.
“I will be liasing with local government and the school council to seek an appropriate solution.”
However, Nicole Williams of Cardinia Shire Council denied that council was liable, saying that it was instead the responsibility of the Department of Education.
“The constructed and unconstructed carparks opposite the Bayles Primary School are not council-maintained assets,” she said.
In the meantime, harsh winter conditions will only worsen the condition of the carpark.
Parent Meg Seabrook said the large potholes were an obvious safety concern.
“It’s particularly bad when it’s been raining and the area gets very wet and muddy,” she said.
“There’s kids walking through there all the time and that’s why I think it really needs to be fixed.”
