Image Caption: Deputy Principal of AIA Zamil Mohammad, Chaplain Farhan Khalil, Jayda Alameddine, AIA Principal Lubna Sayed, Sara Alameddine, Idris Alameddine, Rihanna Alameddine and Mayor Gangemi.
Plans for a new pedestrian crossing outside the Australian International Academy (AIA) school in North Kellyville have been given the green light.
Hills Shire councillors unanimously approved the construction of a marked pedestrian crossing outside the Kindergarten to Year 12 school at Tuesday's Ordinary Meeting of Council (May 23).
"Council had previously funded the installation of a pedestrian refuge in this location, but I am happy we can further improve safety for students, parents, teachers and the community with this new crossing," Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi said.
"The pedestrian crossing will make accessing the school and other parts of North Kellyville much easier, including the new Samantha Riley Drive Reserve.
"This is a great outcome that has been achieved thanks to the school community and Council working together."
Sara Alameddine has two daughters that attend AIA and started a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing after she witnessed too many "close calls". The petition gained over 220 signatures in its first three hours.
"I feel relieved knowing that Council has approved this measure and the students will soon have a safe place to cross," Sara said.
AIA Principal Lubna Sayed said the pedestrian crossing was needed for their growing school community, which has increased from 25 students in 2013 to more than 620 enrolments in 2023.
"It makes me happy to know that when our students leave the school grounds, they will have a safe space to cross the road and get to their homes or parents' cars," she said.
Construction of the new pedestrian crossing is expected to start in the coming months. These improvements will further enhance the established pedestrian island, located close to the school, near the intersection of Foxall Road and Goodison Street.
Council will also seek funding from Transport for NSW to convert the marked pedestrian crossing into a raised wombat crossing. Additionally, Council will work with the school and the transport agency to attempt to secure a school crossing supervisor during pick-up and drop-off times.
