Child safety could be significantly boosted in Caboolture with a proposed dedicated bus safety training facility – a Queensland first – that has the potential to save young lives.
Caboolture Bus Lines, a local company operating for 37 years, has lodged a town planning application with Moreton Bay City Council to establish this vital community resource. The proposed facility aims to teach children essential bus safety skills through real-life simulations, hands-on activities, and educational sessions.
Owners Grant and Janette Craike expressed their commitment to educating the region’s youngest passengers, believing the program will provide parents with greater peace of mind. The program would be free to schools in the Moreton Bay region and tailored to different age groups.
Realistic Training Environment
The facility will feature a simulated street-front bus stop where children can practice boarding and alighting safely. A dedicated bus will serve as a classroom, providing a unique and engaging learning environment.
This immersive approach will allow children to experience real-life scenarios and develop safe travel habits. The aim is to empower thousands of children each year with the knowledge and confidence to become responsible bus passengers.
Local Support and Council Approval
The application has garnered strong support from local businesses, with ARC Planning committing to the project free of charge. Director Adrian Raedel, a father of two, emphasised the initiative’s importance and hoped that Moreton Bay City Council would approve the application.
He highlighted the unique nature of the proposed street-side bus stop, which would only be used briefly during school days for drop-offs and pick-ups. Mr. Raedel added that he believes this facility will save young lives.
Community Backing
The proposal has also received positive feedback from the community. One resident, a former school bus driver, spoke of the declining behaviour on buses since a similar program ceased, emphasising the need for renewed education. Other community members have voiced their strong support, calling the initiative “fantastic” and “brilliant,” and expressing their hopes for council approval.
Looking to the Future
Caboolture Bus Lines believes that by investing in the education of future generations, it is teaching bus safety and fostering a culture of care, respect, and responsibility. It believes this program will provide invaluable life skills to the children of the Moreton Bay region.
Published Date 07-Feb-2025
Photo Credit: Town Planning and Development Services/ Facebook
