Parents call for a footpath from school to Shores

Samantha Permezel and the P&C are rallying other parents at Rainbow Beach State School for safer access to school from Rainbow Shores

Samantha Permezel and the P&C are rallying other parents at Rainbow Beach State School for safer access to school from Rainbow Shores

Samantha Permezel, a Rainbow Shores resident, currently walks or cycles to and from school, along a busy and very fast road, with her children. “Myself and other parents only attempt this about once a week, as it’s very dangerous,” Samantha explains.

To go the other way, via the back of the IGA, is too far for young walkers and riders from the Shores.

“Being able to walk, cycle or scoot to school is a great way for our kids to keep active, get outdoors, and improve concentration during school hours,” Samantha believes.

Currently there are many families who live out at the Shores with children attending RBSS, and they have expressed how they would love for this route to become an option as a daily routine, so they no longer need to drive.

“I believe it would be a huge benefit for the town,” continues Samantha. “Not only would it provide a safe walking and riding commute for our children, but it also means our town would have a full walking circuit for locals and visitors.”

The path would run through the industrial area of Rainbow Beach via Karoonda Road, and may help reverse the alarming statistic from the 2015 Active Healthy KIds Australia study, who found a 42% decline in children walking or riding a bike or scooter to/from school in the past 40 years.

Kirstie Jordison, the school’s P&C president says the P&C are behind the footpath 100% and will start a campaign to have one created from Rainbow Shores to the school.

“Child safety is one of the communities utmost concerns; we feel there is a big gap in that safety with no footpath access from Rainbow Shores.”

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