Community Demands Action on Road Safety Following Tragic Death of Young Boy

The community surrounding Geelong is grappling with grief after the tragic death of six-year-old Caleb Wesley, who was struck by a vehicle while crossing Bannockburn-Shelford Road on his way to a school bus stop. On the morning of March 27, Caleb was accompanied by his older siblings when the accident occurred, leading to heightened concerns about road safety in the area.

Local residents gathered to express their dissatisfaction with Golden Plains Shire Council during a meeting that was intended to address road safety concerns. Approximately 15 individuals hold placards urging the local government to prioritize changes to improve safety, with community member Sam Flynn emphasizing the urgency of the situation. She called for immediate action to prevent further tragedies, reflecting the shared sentiment that such incidents should never have happened.

Andrea Bolton, a resident of Inverleigh, noted that she had been advocating for a safer crossing in Teesdale since 2022, reaching out to various authorities, including VicRoads and the council, to voice her worries. Bolton expressed frustration that the council has focused on building recreational facilities rather than addressing critical safety issues. On the night of the deferred council meeting, there was a proposal that sought to initiate a report assessing options to enhance pedestrian safety and push for urgent reviews of speed limits near schools.

However, the meeting was postponed due to a failure to elect an acting mayor, which left many residents feeling disheartened by the council's inability to reach decisions on pressing matters. Chris Burke, another Teesdale resident, criticized the inefficiency of the council and suggested that systemic bureaucratic challenges are hindering progress on significant community issues.

In response, interim CEO Steve Sagona acknowledged the rare circumstances that led to the meeting's deferral, emphasizing the council's adherence to governance protocols. He also expressed condolences to Caleb's family while highlighting the ongoing police investigation into the incident.

Despite the tragic circumstances, residents like Andrea Bolton remain resolute in their call for action. She stressed the necessity of implementing safety measures to protect children and vulnerable pedestrians, emphasizing that without swift changes, the community faces the risk of future incidents, which they are urgently trying to prevent.