General News
28 May, 2025
Healy crossing situation unsafe, say concern parents
The lack of a permanent crossing supervisor at Healy State School is a concern for local parents.
Parents say they are concerned about the safety of the children outside Healy State School after the Department of Transport and Main Roads failed to provide a full-time crossing guard this year.
Concerned parent Tracy Pertovt said school officials had been forced to find alternative options after a trained crossing guard had only been available for three weeks of the 2025 school year.
Ms Pertovt said a rotation of untrained teacher aides had been forced to temporarily fill the crossing position, which is the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to provide on a permanent basis.
“The crossing guard has been away for most of this year – and she is semi-retired so that is her right – but TMR should be finding someone to fill that position,” Ms Pertovt said.
“It is not safe for our kids to cross the road – and it is a busy road.
“There has already been several near misses and we want something to be done now because it is too late to fix a problem after something bad has happened.”
Ms Pertovt said parents had repeatedly approached TMR about finding a solution.
“It is a super busy road – from 7.30 to 9am it just has so many cars,” she told North West Weekly.
“That road in front of Healy State School is on Thomson Road, which is really the only road for people exiting Healy, which means it isn’t just parents of school kids travelling on it in the morning and afternoon.
“TMR employ the crossing guards, so they need to find the staff – but they don’t seem to have any plan.
“I think there are other schools in Mount Isa that are facing similar issues.
“We just want a resolution as soon as possible so we know our kids are safe in the morning and afternoon drop-offs.
A TMR spokesperson said its officials were committed to working with Healy State School to provide interim safety measures.
The spokesperson said the safety of students travelling to and from school was the priority of the department but attempts to fill the position had been unsuccessful.
“We’ve delivered multiple targeted recruitment campaigns for School Crossing Supervisors at Healy State School, but like many employers in the Mount Isa region, we continue to face challenges in filling this role,” TMR’s spokesperson said.
“We share responsibility with the Department of Education to manage school crossings when an authorised School Crossing Supervisor is not available.
“In these cases, the school may nominate a representative to assist with marshalling students.
“Schools are provided with high-visibility vests, children’s crossing flags and clear instructions to help guide students safely across the road, in line with established stringent safety procedures.
“Parents or local residents interested in becoming a school crossing supervisor are encouraged to contact their local road safety office.”