By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
RESIDENTS of Keysborough’s burgeoning Hidden Grove and Somerfield estates will be without a nearby state school for at least the “medium term”.
As part her Lyndhurst byelection campaign, Greens candidate Nina Springle is calling for a state primary school in an area devoid of public transport and surrounded by a cluster of independent schools.
Backed by state Greens leader Greg Barber and Greater Dandenong councillor Matthew Kirwan, Ms Springle said most estate residents saddled with mortgages could not afford to enrol their children at nearby Haileybury College or Lighthouse Christian College.
Chandler Primary School is the nearest government school, at least a 1.5 kilometre commute that crosses Cheltenham Road.
Mr Barber said residents of new suburbs should have access to nearby schools and bus links should be created “the moment people move in”.
“The previous state government had a massive program of moving out the urban growth boundary and kept banking the stamp duty. It is 20 years behind in providing the essential services.”
A Department of Education and Early Childhood Development spokesman said that “in the short to medium term the increase in population can be accommodated at the existing schools”.
“The department is aware of the increased population projections in the Keysborough area and has identified the need to plan for a site in this area.”
He would not confirm the department’s preferred site was partly occupied by Keysborough Animal Shelter. The shelter’s treasurer Christine Giles said the shelter had been “in limbo” for several years wondering if its site would be compulsorily acquired.
Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East will host a Lyndhurst candidates’ forum at Arthur Wren Hall, 16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park, from 7.30pm on Wednesday.
What do you think? Post a comment below.
KNOW YOUR CANDIDATE
LYNDHURST byelection candidates were surveyed by the Journal on public transport and education. This is a summary of their thoughts.
Martin Pakula, Labor
■ Bus services for new housing estates, but need road upgrades.
■ Better train reliability and parking availability at railway stations.
Geraldine Gonsalvez, Democratic Labor Party
■ More frequent public transport services, including light rail in the long term.
■ More well-lit bicycle and pedestrian paths.
■ No access and equity issues in schools, catering for varying disabilities.
Stephen Nowland, Family First
■ New bus routes for housing estates and the Dandenong South industrial area.
■ Better bus connections to train timetables, particularly at night.
■ Primary school for new suburbs such as Keysborough South.
Hung Vo, independent
■ Upgrade and extend rail and bus system in line with growing population.
■ Modernise all schools and ensure ‘correct’ class sizes.
* Candidates Martin Leahy (Sex Party), Bobby Singh and David Linaker (independents) did not respond.
For candidates’ full responses, check this website.
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