Sally Quinnell: ‘The schools aren’t coping’
Camden state Labor candidate Sally Quinnell has condemned the “poor” planning of schools in the area, saying they can’t handle the region’s population growth.
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Camden state Labor candidate Sally Quinnell has condemned the “poor” planning of schools in the area, saying they can’t handle the region’s population growth.
Speaking exclusively to the Macarthur Chronicle at Oran Park Public School, Mrs Quinnell said the area’s schools are unable to handle the population surge.
“There is so much development around us and the schools aren’t coping,” she said. “It simply isn’t right.”
“Schools such as Leppington Public School, which has been there for a long time, has doubled their capacity in two years.
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“Schools like Cobbitty Public School, Harrington Park Public School and Camden South Public School are at capacity. They can’t take any more out-of-area students just because they can’t fit them.”
Mrs Quinnell saved special criticism for the planning of Oran Park Public School, which the Chronicle recently revealed is operating at more than 200 per cent capacity.
“Oran Park is bearing the brunt of the Liberals fire sale to developers,” she said.
“There are no excuses, the Liberals were in such a rush to flog local land off to developers that they didn’t bother properly planning the school.”
The school currently has 42 demountables and welcomed about 280 kindergarten students this year. Twenty-four permanent classrooms are due to be completed by next year.
Liberal Education Minister Rob Stokes refuted Labor’s claim Oran Park Public is overcrowded with demountables.
“I’m disappointed that Labor is again misleading the community about our record school infrastructure program,” Mr Stokes said.
“As part of our record school infrastructure program, almost $300 million will be invested in the Camden area to support this thriving and growing community.”
Mr Stokes pointed to major upgrades to take place at Harrington Park Public School, as well as planning in motion for primary schools at Gledswood Hills, Gregory Hills, Leppington and Catherine Field.
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The 2000-student Oran Park High School is expected to open its doors next year.
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