OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT

OAKESHOTT WELCOMES WESTPORT HIGH SCHOOL RESOLUTION

Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today welcomed the news from the Department of Education that an on-site drop-off zone will be built for children with disabilities attending Westport high School.

"There has been obvious conflict outside the school for some time, with buses, taxis, and cars coming into conflict out the front of the school at key drop-off times, Mr Oakeshott said.

"To make matters worse, minimal discretion was being shown in the enforcement of the law, with parents showing me parking fines for parking 1 minute outside the crowded drop-off zone, said Mr Oakeshott.

"Having visited the drop-off zone, spoken with a number of concerned parents and carers, and having spoken with the Regional Director of Education, can I congratulate all involved in coming to a commonsense solution to a situation that was obviously not working.

"The introduction of new traffic lights onto the Oxley Highway has further highlighted the need for a more user-friendly drop off and pick up point, that will benefit not only disabled students but all students accessing the school.

"On site access should also better fulfil the Department of Education's important obligations to children with disabilities, and I welcome this important announcement of an on-site drop-off zone," Mr Oakeshott said today.

CONTACT: Regional Director of Education - Warren Burke 6583 6400
Parent/Carer - Vicki Moss 0408 837 761

25 June 2007