Planning for active schools

Action 1.5, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Long-term

Pilot a new approach to transport planning for selected new school sites to ensure effective integration with local transport networks, including active transport networks.

Overview

The Department of Transport and Main Roads worked with other agencies to review the guidance for planning new schools. These findings set the scope for a major update of the Planning for Safe Transport Infrastructure at Schools guideline. They also helped in the early development of the Austroads Guide to Schools.

Achievements

The department and the Department of Education formed a working group. It will review school transport planning, best practices, and updates to Queensland guidance. The goal is to improve safety and access.

The Department of Education is responsible for planning new schools and school extensions. The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process, led by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, conducts site approval.

The department advises on new schools and extensions. It uses the Planning for Safe Transport Infrastructure at Schools guideline and national Austroads guides. The guideline gives best practices for school transport infrastructure. It suggests separating transport modes. It also calls for end-of-trip facilities for people walking and biking.

The project included a review of the guideline, the Department of Education's site selection rules, and current school locations. Other considerations included:

• issues identified from discussions between the department and the Department of Education
• road safety and active transport policy developments
• infrastructure design guidance and outputs obtained through community engagement.

The outcomes include a scoping document to update the Planning for Safe Transport Infrastructure at Schools guideline. It also includes input for the start of the Austroads Travel to Schools project.

Next steps

The department will use these findings to guide Action 3.4 in the Queensland Cycling Action Plan 2023-2025. This is part of its commitment to improve active transport infrastructure around schools. It will also inform better travel planning for schools and preschools through the Austroads Travel to Schools project.

More information

Find out more about the:

• guidance used within Queensland to review and revise infrastructure related to schools
• Austroads Travel to schools project (NEG6441).