Students at Bardia Public School are playing Russian Roulette every time they cross a nearby intersection.
Traffic lights are scheduled to be installed at the intersection of Arthur Allen Drive and new MacDonald Road in 2026, but the local member of parliament says they are needed now.
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong has called on the State Government to do all it can to fast track the installation of traffic lights at Bardia Public School amid fears the existing traffic chaos could result in tragedy.
He has welcomed a government decision to extend the 40kmh school zone later this month, but says traffic lights must be installed as soon as possible.
The NSW Department of Education’s School Infrastructure NSW has commissioned a traffic management plan to provide justification for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection be brought forward.
“But how long will this plan take and how soon will the traffic lights be installed,’’ says Mr Chanthivong.
“Bardia Public School students and parents have been waiting too long already for solutions to the daily traffic chaos. They can’t wait another day, let alone up to another six years,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“Meanwhile, students are playing Russian Roulette every time they cross this busy intersection in one of Sydney’s fastest growing suburbs.
“Traffic lights must be installed as a matter of urgency. As I’ve stated previously on this issue, I truly hope it does not take a tragedy to prompt this Government into action.”
The Labor MP said the State Government had failed to anticipate or address the traffic chaos since the redeveloped school opened earlier this year.
Over the next two to three years, the school’s student population will more than triple in size – from 300 students to 1000.
“The situation at Bardia Public School is yet another example of the State Liberal Government’s poor planning in South West Sydney, where our needs are continually ignored,’’ he said.
“The Liberal Government collects millions of dollars in stamp duty yet can’t provide the necessary infrastructure to match growth. It’s grossly unfair and our community deserves better.”
Mr Chanthivong said he welcomed a proposal by NSW Roads and Maritime Services to implement a 40 km/hour school zone on MacDonald Road, Arthur Allen Drive, Damascus Street and Malaya Street from November 21.
“I am pleased to see my request to reduce the speed limit around the school is finally being met, and I expect that these measures will help improve safety for all road users,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“But I won’t give up until the traffic lights are given a green light and Bardia Public School students have the safest possible access to and from the school.”
