Parents at Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Ascot in Perth are criticizing plans for a new pedestrian crossing costing $800,000 [1].
The dispute highlights tensions between municipal infrastructure spending and perceived value, as families at the prestigious school question the necessity of the high price tag.
Officials have planned the crossing to improve pedestrian access to the school [1]. However, the project has faced immediate backlash from the school community. Some parents believe the project is less about safety and more about optics.
"It’s an excellent photo opportunity," one parent said [2].
Critics of the plan argue that the amount of money allocated to the project is disproportionate to the actual need. The project has been described as a PR stunt by some families who feel the expenditure is unjustified for a single crossing.
"The cost is excessive," a source said [1].
While the crossing aims to facilitate safer movement for students and guardians, the reaction from the PLC Ascot community suggests a lack of confidence in the project's budgeting. The scale of the $800,000 [1] investment has become the primary point of contention, overshadowing the intended safety benefits.
Reports indicate that the general sentiment among the parent body remains negative. One reporter said that "parents aren't impressed" with the current proposal [2].
“"It’s an excellent photo opportunity"”
The backlash reflects a growing scrutiny of public infrastructure costs in Western Australia, where high-profile projects are increasingly viewed through the lens of fiscal waste versus actual utility. By labeling the crossing a 'photo opportunity,' parents are suggesting that the project serves political branding rather than a critical safety requirement for the school zone.
