Guardian angel: Monash school crossings will continue to be supervised this year. Picture: Stephen McKenzie
EVERY school crossing in Monash will have a supervisor in 2013-14 following a cash injection by the state government.
Roads Minister Terry Mulder last week announced Monash would get an $8000 funding boost, bringing its total to $338,500 in 2013-14, to maintain the existing number of supervisors across the city.
The announcement has been welcomed by parent groups after weeks of uncertainty over the future of school crossings across Victoria that were in danger of failing funding criteria.
Mr Mulder said the work done by school crossing supervisors was a vital resource that needed to be maintained.
"The men and women who stand at these crossings, many working both morning and afternoon shifts, do a fantastic job and probably don't get the recognition they deserve," he said.
"I am proud to be involved in a program that primarily is about safeguarding . . . our children."
Victorian Parents Council chief executive Christine Delamore said the announcement was fantastic news.
"It's great because we just have to have this safety for our children when they attend school," she said.
The executive officer of Parents Victoria, Gail McHardy, also praised the move.
"Parents Victoria are glad to hear that the Victorian government has agreed to ongoing funding for an essential service," she said.
At present there are 84 school crossings and 95 supervisors in Monash. The surprise announcement comes after Monash Council confirmed that up to 10 of its crossings "may not meet their criteria for funding" because of a fall in the number of pedestrians.
At the time, Monash mayor Micaela Drieberg condemned the cost cuts: "My view is that whether it is three children or 30 children, they should be supported as they walk to school."
Last week Cr Drieberg said the state government's announcement was good news for families and schools.
"We can all breathe a sigh of relief," she said.
"Councils contribute funding towards school crossings but we rely upon funding also coming through from the state government. We're pleased the government has decided to come through with the goods as it means local children will continue to be protected."
"The threat was real because some funding for crossings had been withdrawn in Frankston and we had been told by a VicRoads officer that some funding could be withdrawn in Monash," she said.