- Queensland Rail's dedicated Community Education team hit the road last week, kicking off a tour across Queensland to engage with students on the importance of staying safe around the rail corridor.
- The team will visit more than 40 learning locations across the regions, including Gympie, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Laidley, Gatton, and Sarina.
- More than 3000 students will take part in the sessions from now until August.
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Queensland Rail's Community Education team is traveling from school to school, working closely with teachers and local communities to ensure that as many students as possible stay safe around trains.
The educational campaign features interactive, age-appropriate presentations and workshops, focusing on the dangers of trespassing in the rail corridor, as well as safety tips for crossing rail lines and travelling around trains and tracks.
The sessions are filled with fun activities, demonstrations, and discussions designed to leave a lasting impact.
Maryborough was the first stop of the tour this month with more than 2000 students in attendance across nine schools and education centres.
The next stops will be Gladstone and Rockhampton in June including a drop-in at the Rockhampton Show before heading west to Laidley, Gatton and Sarina for Term 3 in late-August.
These education tours are in addition to the 600 rail safety presentations the team delivered to more than 70,000 Queensland students in 2024.
Queensland Rail's Community Education Team Leader Dave Webber said freight trains and tilt trains regularly run through these regions and that's why they're being targeted.
"Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and it is crucial that we reach out to our communities and educate the next generation about the potential risks around rail corridors," Mr Webber said.
“We are excited to visit these regions and teach students the importance of rail safety in an engaging and memorable way.
“Our message is clear – rail networks are not playgrounds. Trains are fast, heavy and take a long time to stop.
“In fact, high speed trains can travel up to 160 kilometres per hour, they can't swerve to avoid a collision and can take up to 1.5 kilometres to come to a complete stop.
“When you are crossing train tracks, only use the designated walkways, put the brakes on risk-taking behaviour and be mindful of the signs and signals in place for everyone's protection.
“Trains are powered by 25,000 volts of electricity, and high voltage can jump.
“Our hope is that these safety messages will not only stick with the children but be shared within their families and communities.
"We believe these school visits will not only inform students about rail safety but will also inspire them to make smart decisions that could save lives."
For more information on Queensland Rail's Community Education program, or to learn more about staying safe near the rail corridor, visit their website.
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