High school students on New South Wales’ Far South Coast can now walk and cycle to Carroll College in Broulee after local authorities overturn a longstanding restriction.

End of a 32-Year Restriction

Carroll College imposed a ban on students walking or cycling to school in 1994 following concerns over traffic safety on nearby roads. Recent discussions reveal the original council motion was never legally binding, as it lacked inclusion in the school’s development consent conditions.

Moruya Parish Priest Father Joshua Scott explained, “It wasn’t placed into the development conditions that come under our development consent. That means it would not be enforceable, but we—as a college—were under the impression it was enforceable.”

“These discussions allowed us to have hope that—after 30 years—this misunderstanding was able to be rectified,” he added.

Council Approves Pedestrian Trial

Carroll College Principal Andrew Kenneally noted the ban stemmed from an interpretation of consent conditions. “Over the past few months we’ve really got down to that, and working in consultation with council we’ve realised it’s not part of that agreement,” he said.

At a recent council meeting, officials rescinded the prohibition and greenlit a six-month trial for students to walk and ride to school. “We’re so excited—particularly as a community—it’s been a long time coming,” Kenneally stated. “We feel that finally our students, our community, can access the school like they should have been able to for many years.”

Student Benefits

Year 12 student Lukas Muir, who lives nearby and currently buses to school, welcomes the change. “I’ve got a mountain bike and not being able to take that into school has been a bit rough, especially since I live so close to school,” he said. “Fuel prices are crazy at the moment, so I reckon riding will be a lot cheaper than driving.”

Fellow Year 12 student Aimee Harris highlighted health advantages: “It’ll encourage them to move and get out of the house, instead of sitting in the car maybe on their phone.”

Enhanced Road Safety Measures

When the school opened in 1994, George Bass Drive featured a 100 km/h speed limit with minimal infrastructure. Conditions have improved significantly, including a roundabout on Broulee Road, a 40 km/h school zone, and potential additional roundabouts.

“We now have a roundabout on Broulee Road, we also have a 40km/h zone in front of the college during school hours, and hopefully there’s the possibility of another roundabout in the area, which will slow down traffic,” Father Scott said.

The trial mandates students cross at a pedestrian refuge 600 meters south of the school, with plans for a grass path and signage along George Bass Drive’s western side. Discussions for a permanent pedestrian crossing at the front gate follow.

Kenneally emphasized safety collaboration with council and outlined benefits like greater student independence, fitness, and less congestion. Around 40 families stand to gain immediately, with hopes of attracting more local enrolments from Broulee residents able to walk or ride.