School warns of “increased danger” to students after car park closed

Ambarvale High School has warned of “increased danger” caused by traffic flow after Campbelltown Council announced it would be selling land currently used as a car park by the school.

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A local high school is at loggerheads with Campbelltown Council after it was announced vacant council land used by the school as a car park would be sold off.

Ambarvale High School has warned of “increased danger” caused by traffic flow around the school campus when the car park is closed next month.

The school informed parents in a Facebook post on Wednesday the council would be selling the land and the car park would be closed on March 6.

The only nearby parking is a small space on the school grounds or at a nearby shopping centre.

In a comment on the post, the school said it was concerned about dangers arising from traffic issues and that council made the decision to sell the land without consulting the Education Department or Ambarvale High School.

“Campbelltown Council have made this decision without any consultation with the school or the Department of Education,” the school posted.

“The school is aware of the increased danger this will cause with traffic flow before and after school.”

The comment was later edited and removed.

Campbelltown Council Director of City Governance Phu Nguyen said the council had flagged its intention to sell the land with the school since early last year.

“The site has been identified as of comparably lower strategic value to council,” Mr Nguyen said.

The council-owned land used by the school as a car park. Picture: Google Maps

“Funds raised from the site will be reinvested back into the community through important infrastructure projects.

“The council has had communications about the site’s future with nearby Ambarvale High School since early 2018 and will continue to work with the school.”

The school also warned community groups would no longer be able to use facilities on the campus due to a lack of parking

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“The closure of this area will very likely result in the cancellation of many further events for all hall hirers including the many dance groups and competitions held at Ambarvale High School,” the post said.

“The nearest areas for dance competitions will then be Wollongong, Parramatta/Penrith areas.”

The NSW Education Department did not respond to a request for comment.

The school has 773 students according to its 2017 annual report.