Labor pledges new Pottsville high school if elected, but sitting Tweed MP Geoff Provest declares it’s a ‘waste of money’

Labor says it’s “ridiculous” a Tweed town doesn’t have a high school, but sitting MP Geoff Provest reckons it’s a “waste of money”. Here’s what Labor plans to do if it snatches the seat of Tweed.

Labor has pledged to build a long-awaited high school in Pottsville if its candidate overthrows longtime Nationals MP Geoff Provest to win the state election.

Labor candidate Craig Elliot, husband of sitting federal Labor MP Justine Elliot, has thrown his hat in the ring after an unsuccessful run in the 2019 election.

Meanwhile, the Greens have put forward conservation and environment worker Ciara Denham for the seat of Tweed.

Mr Elliot said he would bring new ideas and a fresh start for the Tweed, as well as the new school, if elected

Labor candidate for Tweed Craig Elliot and NSW Deputy Labor Leader and Shadow Education Minister Prue Car speaking about the school. Picture: David Bonaddio

“The communities of Pottsville and the Tweed Coast need a new high school,” he said.

“We know it won’t be delivered overnight but Labor is committed to making it happen”.

Mr Elliot said residents have been calling for a new high school at Pottsville, but Mr Provest has “refused to act”.

Deputy Opposition Leader Prue Car said Labor would begin planning the Pottsville school if it secures Tweed.

“How ridiculous is it that there is no high school in this community where we have primary schools that are growing rapidly and a community that is growing,” she said.

“These children have only one chance of a childhood and they deserve the best possible start in life”

But Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he was not in support of a new school in Pottsville at the moment and Labor’s proposal was all smoke and mirrors

“My number one goal is to give the kids the best opportunities that we can provide,” he said.

“I’m guided by the principals in the local high schools in the Tweed that it (building the school) isn’t a good idea at this time.

“One day Pottsville will get a high school when the demand and the educators think it’s best”

“It would be a total waste of money”

Tweed MP Geoff Provest Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Provest said the Opposition were creating fear for parents in the Tweed

“Politicians should bow out and let the Department of Education do their job,” he said.

“It’s about educational opportunity not politicians”

Greens candidate for Tweed Ciara Denham said there was not enough detail provided about Labor’s promise. She also alluded to the controversial merger of Murwillumbah schools.

“I am against the amalgamation and creation of mega schools dedicated to building accessible, free education for everyone in this electorate, including a new school at Pottsville,” she said.

Greens candidate for Tweed Ciara Denham.

“I will need to see more information on the site location, budget, and public transport considerations, and strategic plans.

“This cannot be another broken promise to the families of the area who recognise the need for reliable, accessible education for this rapidly growing area.

“The Pottsville community has been crying out for a school to be built for over a decade, and I want to work with the community to make sure we have a long term vision and strategic plan for schools in the area”.

“This project must have legitimate environmental and community consultation”.

The election will be held on Saturday, March 25.