Tensions escalate over Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School rebuild following tragic truck crash

A local council has defended its response into the rebuilding of the site where a truck ploughed into a pre-school, claiming the life of a kindergarten worker, after it was accused of stalling the project.

A council has defended its response into the rebuilding of the site where a truck ploughed into a pre-school. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

A local council has defended its response into the rebuilding of the site where a truck ploughed into a preschool after it was accused of stalling the project.

The Riddells Creek community are still recovering from last year’s tragic accident which saw a truck crash into the playground of the Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School, claiming the life of kindergarten worker Eleanor Bryant.

Works to repair the site are continuing but a looming decision on the school’s lease has raised several questions among concerned Riddells Creek residents.

One local believed the Macedon Ranges Shire Council were stalling the project until a decision on the lease was made later this month. 

The crash claimed the life of kindergarten worker Eleanor Bryant.

Riddells Creek local Belinda said she wanted the site to reopen as soon as it could to allow children to return for the start of term one. 

“I’m actually aware that the nine-year lease on the facility, which is Crown land, comes up at some point in January,” she told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“I don’t think (the) council are going to do any work until that point where they find that lease again.

“We would like council to actually get a hurry on and clean it up. Stop putting the brakes on. There is, realistically, no reason why it can’t open.”

It was a claim fiercely denied by the council.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Dom Bonanno said it was a fluid and complicated situation.

Works to repair the site are continuing but a looming decision on the school’s lease has raised questions among concerned residents. Picture: Nadir Kinani

“References to Council delaying — or being late on starting — the lease renewal process for the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool site in Riddells Creek are incorrect,” he said.

“Under Council’s Lease and Licence Policy, Council is required to contact tenants prior to the end of their lease to commence negotiating a new lease. 

“Council began this process for this site in good faith well prior to the tragic incident, with the service provider party to the lease — previously the Parent Committee — unable to confirm their intentions until recent weeks.

“Following the incident and in light of the lease ending this month, the Parent Committee had signalled its intent to Council to allow Uniting Vic. Tas to take on the role of service provider.”

The scene of the truck crash into Montessori Macedon Ranges Pre-School in Riddells Creek. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Bonanno said it was unlikely the preschool would be open for the return of students for the start of term one.

“It is difficult for us or the service provider to put a timeline on the future of this site at this stage,” he added. 

“Despite prioritising a resolution with all parties with best intentions, the situation is unlikely to be resolved by the start of Term 1, hence service provider Uniting Vic. Tas organising an alternative location to operate from at Riddells Creek Primary School.”

Originally published as Tensions escalate over Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School rebuild following tragic truck crash