Jodi McKay slams govt for approving towers but not schools
The state opposition has called on the NSW government to fast-track education projects in Ryde slamming the government for recently approving multi-storey apartments but not fast-tracking schools and upgrades in the area.
Northern District Times
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The state opposition has slammed the NSW government for recently approving multi-storey apartments in Ryde but not fast-tracking schools in the area.
State Labor leader Jodi McKay said, “The Berejiklian Government has seized on the recession to target Ryde for more fast-tracked high rise development.
“It should be fast-tracking schools first, some of which it has been promising but failing to deliver since 2017.”
Ms McKay called for proposed upgrades to be delivered at Eastwood Public School claiming the school was 30 per cent over capacity with multiple demountables and limited playground space.
Eastwood Public School has been approached for comment.
Ms McKay made the announcement at Macquarie Park site along with shadow education minister Prue Car on Tuesday afternoon.
“The government has chosen not to fast-track these in the latest round and they’re in planning limbo,” Ms Car said.
“More schools need to be in the fast-track list because in areas like Macquarie Park it’s booming and they need schools and locals need jobs.”
Ms McKay also called for the Macquarie Park Education Precinct to be fast-tracked saying the project which includes a new primary school and high school was announced in 2017 and the community were still waiting for a construction timeline.
According to the latest budget paper, funding has been allocated to both Eastwood Public School’s upgrades and the planning of Macquarie Park Education Precinct as part of the state government’s $6.7 billion school infrastructure program.
State liberal Ryde MP Victor Dominello disputed Labor’s claims saying Ryde’s education pipeline is “on track” and that recent schools and upgrades have been delivered.
“Ryde is being transformed into an education powerhouse. Actions speak louder than words – look at Smalls Road Public School, the upgrades at West Ryde Public School and Denistone East Public School,” he said.
“The upgrades at Kent Road Public School and Eastwood Public School are on track, and we will soon turn the first sod on the new Meadowbank primary and high schools.
“We have delivered and will continue to deliver on our promises.”
A NSW Department of Education spokeswoman said, “Advanced planning works are underway for Eastwood Public School, with the Development Application currently being finalised.”
In response to Macquarie Park Education Precinct, she added, “The project is in the early planning phase, which considers several factors such as enrolment demand, demographic trends, educational requirements, the condition of other schools in the local area, catchment boundaries, site sizes, transport links and partnership opportunities.
“The early planning activities will help us understand needs of the local area now and into the future and will inform the final scope of the project.
“We are currently undertaking early site investigations in Macquarie Park.”