Councillor Helen Abrahams, The Gabba Ward, announced $500 000 funding in Council’s 2010-11 Budget for traffic lights in Montague Road to provide safe pedestrian crossing for students of West End State School and the West End Market customers.

“I have lobbied for these traffic lights for the last two years,” said Cr Abrahams.

“My lobbying has included working with the parents of students at West End State School, petitions and media coverage highlighting the need for the traffic lights,” said Cr Abrahams.

“Clearly, there is a desperate need for traffic lights in Montague Road so I am delighted to announce the 2010-11 budget funding,” said Cr Abrahams.

Last week a local parent, Mrs Linda Hogendoorn, gave an impassioned speech in the Council Chamber on behalf of parents of the school for the traffic lights.

The Lord Mayor Cr Campbell Newman said Ms Hogendoorn had made one of the best cases he had heard in the last six years and as a result would install a signalised pedestrian crossing at the Jane St intersection.

“Council already had plans to install a pedestrian refuge at the site, however we are committed to listening to residents concerns and my team will deliver this crossing to ensure the safety of the local community,” Cr Newman said.

“Not only do we have big groups of school students and children trying to get across to Davies Park, but we now also have local residents crossing the road to catch our new high frequency CityGlider bus service.

“I want to thank Ms Hogendoorn for bringing this to my attention. I am always willing to listen to the genuine concerns of Brisbane residents and as a result we will be funding a new pedestrian crossing in the upcoming budget.”

Cr Newman said the crossing was expected to cost at least $500,000 and would be built in the 2010-11 financial year.

He said Council would consult the local community on potential designs before any design was made.

Last year the Lord Mayor also committed to delivering a new dog off-leash area near the South Brisbane Sailing Club after local residents addressed the Council Chamber.