OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
TULLIMBAR PRIMARY SCHOOL NEEDS FULL EXPLANATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
A primary school near Wollongong that has been completely built by the private sector, catering for 300 students and currently has just three enrolments will be held as another example of Government failure on new schools policy, Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott said today.
"On the Mid-North Coast, we have been repeatedly told that new school buildings will not be considered until enrolment intakes are at least 400 students. Why, then, can the private sector, with the full approval of the State Government, build a new school to cater for 300 students?, Mr Oakeshott said.
"What is worse, the enrolment uptake at this school is appalling, with only three enrolments at a school expected to open next year, and in an area where the residential growth estimates that were the foundation of the new school argument, have fallen well short of projections, Mr Oakeshott.
"This deserves an explanation from government. High growth coastal populations such as ours are being told to wait until enrolments figures hit a minimum of 400 students. Why then, do we now see an example of a school just completed by the private sector with just three current enrolments for its first year next year, and built to cater for just 300 students, Mr Oakeshott said.
"I am seeking a full and accurate response from the Department of Education to the example of Tullimbar Primary School, just west of Albion Park near Wollongong", Mr Oakeshott said today
30 August 2007