Member for Mildura, Jade Benham has joined parents of Manangatang P-12 College in urging the Victorian Government to review its current Fire Management Plan.
The plan requires the College to bus all students to Robinvale on days of extreme fire danger, raising significant safety and logistical concerns.
On these days, the school stadium is designated as the “Shelter in Place”, however as result of recent weather events, this facility requires significant works to be completed to meet safety standards.
Under the Fire Management Plan, students will now travel the 112km round trip to Robinvale Secondary College, by bus, on the Robinvale-Sea Lake Road for their day’s schooling, the plan requires children to travel on one of the most poorly maintained roads in the state.
“It is predominantly a single carriageway and is heavily used by large vehicles during the harvest season, posing significant risks to student safety,” she said.
She also expressed serious concern about the potential consequences of a mechanical failure during these trips.
“A bus breakdown on a 40-degree day could have catastrophic consequences for the children involved,” Ms. Benham stated.
Ms Benham has called for the inclusion of local, qualified experts in the development of a more appropriate solution.
