Queensland Rail is encouraging children across regional Queensland to choo-choo-choose safety when travelling around the rail corridor.
Queensland Rail Team Leader Community Education Dave Webber said since the start of the school year more than 4000 students across Central and Far North Queensland had received education sessions focused on staying safe around trains and tracks.
“The Queensland Rail regional network spans over 5,700 kilometres of track, servicing freight and long-distance travel and tourism services, connecting thousands of Queensland communities,” Mr Webber said.
“With trains running through so many regional cities and towns across the state each day, it is vital that we equip the youth of our communities with safety tips to reduce the likelihood of any incidents.
“Our message is clear – rail networks are not playgrounds. Trains on our network can travel up to 160 kilometres per hour and can’t stop quickly or swerve to avoid a collision.
“Across our rail network, every level crossing is fitted with some form of protection, ranging from signage to flashing lights, alarm bells and boom gates.
“When you are crossing train tracks, put the brakes on risk-taking behaviour and be mindful of the signs and signals in place for everyone’s protection.”
Mr Webber said after a successful education blitz across Oakey and Mackay during May with more than 4,000 students in attendance across 25 schools and education centres the team was now travelling to Townsville and Kuranda, including a visit to the Cairns Show starting from 17 July.
“Whether it be walking to or from school or spending time with friends on the weekend, safety is our number one priority, and we want to ensure everyone is getting home safely at the end of the day.
“Since the start of the 2024 school year, our Queensland Rail Community Education team has presented to more than 35,000 students and youth at early education, primary, secondary, and non-mainstream education schools and centres.
“The team has also been engaging community groups and other organisations who wish to share knowledge on how to safely navigate the rail network with their members.”
