The Minns Labor Government has let down Copacabana families after refusing to fund critical safety improvements around Copacabana Public School, despite more than 650 community members backing a petition calling for safer access to the school.
The petition was supported by the Copacabana Primary School P&C, Copacabana Community Association and a broad cross section of the local community.
Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright then raised a notice of motion at the August 2025 meeting to work towards obtaining the funding and it was passed unanimously.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the decision was deeply disappointing for the school community, which had worked tireless to advocate for safety improvements.
“More than 650 local residents backed this campaign because they know just how unsafe it can be for children and families trying to get to and from Copacabana Public School,” Mr Crouch said.
“Despite that overwhelming community support, the Minns Labor Government has failed to provide any funding for this vital infrastructure.”
“Over 300 students attend Copacabana Public School, and many are forced to navigate busy local roads without adequate footpaths or safe pedestrian crossings.
“This application would have delivered two pedestrian crossings and a new footpath along Pueblo Street, providing a much safer way of getting to and from school for students and their families.
Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright said it is a disappointing decision that continues to put the safety of young children and families at risk.
“This has been a truly community led campaign that we have been working on for more than 12 months. Copacabana Primary School is one of the only schools on the Central Coast that doesn’t have a pedestrian crossing and there is also very limited footpath access,” Councillor Wright said.”
“We should not have to wait for a tragic accident to occur before we receive funding for projects like these.”
Council officers have sought feedback from the NSW Government in relation to the determination of the grant funding application.