News
12 November, 2025
Murrumbateman kids ‘still at risk’ by crossing Barton Highway, says Member for Goulburn
Children from Murrumbateman Public School are being put at risk on a regular basis because of the unsafe nature of having to cross the Barton Highway to access the local recreation grounds.
Children from Murrumbateman Public School are being put at risk on a regular basis because of the unsafe nature of having to cross the Barton Highway to access the local recreation grounds.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman says that she recently heard from one of her constituents that school kids from the local school are having to be bussed to the local recreation grounds – a distance of only 600 metres by car or a 2 minute drive, and only a 9 minute walk - and at a cost of up to $700 per trip – because the Barton Highway is unsafe to cross.
“I asked the Government if this is true and acceptable, and received the following response,” Mrs. Tuckerman said.
“They told me: ‘Transport for NSW has conducted traffic and pedestrian assessments and points to:
A pedestrian refuge 50 metres north of Hercules Street, between shops and Jones Park toilets;
A shared path connecting the refuge to the school;
Minor upgrades in 2020 (widened footpaths and pedestrian fencing at Jones Park).
“But yet it's a no to traffic lights, no full pedestrian crossing, and no comprehensive traffic management plan for the village centre.”
She also added that the students will still have rely on the buses to get across the highway safely.
“Transport NSW admits full duplication and a bypass are only a future priority,” Mrs. Tuckerman said.
“Short-term safety improvements continue, but the real solution remains unfunded and unscheduled.
"Families are left bearing the cost, and kids are still at risk. The Government must deliver a proper traffic strategy before more accidents happen.”
Read More: Murrumbateman, Yass, Southern Tablelands