New primary school on cards for Epping to ease overcrowding pressures

A new primary school is on the cards for Epping to help take the pressure off clogged-up classrooms in Sydney’s northern districts.

MP Damien Tudehope has revealed negotiations are well advanced for a new school at Epping.

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A new primary school is on the cards for Epping to help take the pressure off clogged-up classrooms in Sydney’s northern district.

The Northern District Times can reveal talks are under way for a new school at a disused TAFE site on Chelmsford Ave.

Epping state Liberal MP Damien Tudehope confirmed the NSW Education Department was “in negotiations” with TAFE bosses to take over the site in a bid to ease overcrowding pressures.

The site of the former Epping Annexe TAFE, which was used for horticulture students, back in 2010.

“This is something I’ve been strongly campaigning for,” he said. “There are 950 students at Eastwood Public and 1200 at Epping West Primary. These schools are taking up a lot of the burden of development in this area.”

Mr Tudehope lifted the lid on plans for a new Epping school in a wide-ranging interview after his political career was saved by the Liberal Party’s state executive last week.

It followed a bitter preselection vote on November 9, when he was beaten by an “empty chair” for an Upper House position.

As part of a factional deal, Premier Gladys Berejiklian assured Mr Tudehope he would have an Upper House spot after the Epping MP made way for Treasurer Dominic Perrottet to contest his seat at next year’s election.

Mr Tudehope said the repudiation of the premier was “not a flash look” for unity within the party.

Bound for the Upper House: Epping MP Damien Tudehope.

“The circumstances in which it arose were unusual, with the Premier wanting me to move to the Upper House,” the 65-year-old said.

“It was clear on the (preselection) night that people actually turned up to vote against me. But I was pleased that the state executive intervened and we now move on.”

Asked whether the party was taking the safe Liberal seat of Epping for granted, the father-of-nine said: “No, we don’t take it for granted.

“The proposed Liberal candidate for Epping (Mr Perrottet) has lived in Epping all his life. And to suggest that he is unqualified to run as a candidate is just nonsense.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is set to contest the seat of Epping at next year’s state election as the Liberal candidate.

Just four months out from the next poll, which brings down the curtain of his one-term tenure, Mr Tudehope reflected on his main achievements as the Member for Epping.

“Getting $50 million for the widening of Epping Bridge is a big one,” he said.

“I also helped secure lifts at Beecroft (train) station; I’m making sure there’s enough infrastructure to keep pace with development in my electorate; and I also helped ensure the pool at Dence Park remained open.

“I’ve been part of a government which has delivered on our promises, including major infrastructure projects like North West Metro and NorthConnex.”