High school students in Broulee on the New South Wales Far South Coast can soon walk and cycle to Carroll College for the first time since the school opened in 1994. Eurobodalla Shire Council has overturned a longstanding motion and approved a six-month pedestrian access trial, with the change set to begin next term.
Background on the Longstanding Restriction
Carroll College imposed a ban on students walking or cycling to school following a 1994 council motion aimed at addressing traffic concerns. The restriction persisted for 32 years based on an interpretation of development consent conditions.
In March, school representatives approached the council for permission to lift the ban. Discussions revealed the motion was never legally enforceable. “It wasn’t placed into the development conditions that come under our development consent,” stated Moruya Parish Priest Father Joshua Scott. “That means it would not be enforceable, but we—as a college—were under the impression it was.”
Carroll College Principal Andrew Kenneally noted the ban stemmed from an “interpretation” of the conditions. “The vision that students couldn’t ride or walk to school was sort of the message that sat within that DA, and it might not have been contested for many years,” he explained. “Over the past few months, working in consultation with council, we’ve realised it’s not part of that agreement.”
Council Approves Trial Access
At a recent council meeting, officials rescinded the prohibition and greenlit the trial. “We’re so excited—particularly as a community—it’s been a long time coming,” Kenneally said. “We feel that finally our students and community can access the school like they should have been able to for many years.”
Student Perspectives on the Change
Year 12 student Lukas Muir, who lives nearby and currently buses to school, welcomes the opportunity to bike. “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,” 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 benefits. “It’ll encourage them to move and get out of the house, instead of sitting in the car maybe on their phone,” she noted.
Safety Enhancements Support the Trial
When the school opened, George Bass Drive next to it carried a 100 km/h speed limit with minimal infrastructure. Conditions have improved significantly: a roundabout now exists on Broulee Road, a 40 km/h zone operates during school hours, and another roundabout may soon follow.
“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 added.
Trial Details and Future Plans
The trial requires students to cross at a pedestrian refuge 600 meters south of the school. Plans include a grass path on the western side of George Bass Drive and new signage. Discussions for a permanent pedestrian crossing at the front gate will follow.
Kenneally emphasized safety collaboration with the council. Benefits include greater student independence, improved fitness, reduced congestion, and potential enrollment growth. Around 40 local families stand to gain immediately next term. “We’ve been a little bit blocked with not having that accessibility,” he said. “But now that we can open that up, there’s more scope for people who live in Broulee to consider Carroll College, as they can walk and ride.”
