Andrews government slammed for using ‘North Korean’ tactics on kids to sell Skyrail

THE state government has been accused of using “North Korean” tactics after children were asked to colour-in designs for the controversial Carrum Skyrail.

Children were asked to colour-in the new design for the Carrum Railway Station after the level crossing removal.

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THE state government has been slammed for “politicising” the classroom after children were asked to colour-in designs for the controversial Carrum Skyrail project.

Children at Carrum Primary School were asked to draw the space underneath the 900m rail bridge over Paterson River and McLeod Rd and the new Carrum station.

Teachers supplied children with paper that had the Level Crossing Removal Project logo and website and asked them to colour in the proposed design.

Cameron Howe, founder of Carrum and Patterson Lakes forum, said it was disgraceful to lobby children to favour the controversial design.

“Politics should not be in the classroom regardless of the topic,” he said.

“This another tactic they have employed to drive their agenda. Material submitted to manipulate children is disgraceful and politics should stay out of the classroom on any issue.”

The Level Crossing Removal Authority has said a rail tunnel was not possible as the distance between the Patterson River and McLeod Road is “not long enough to provide clearance for trains under the new road connection at the grade required for safe operation of trains.”

Artist impression of the Carrum Railway Station after level crossing removal. Supplied Level Crossing Removal Authority

Opposition Spokesman Tim Smith said the government was using North Korean-style propaganda to push it Skyrail project in schools.

“This is like the North Korean education system only counting trains and elevated Skyrail gantries, not tanks,” Mr Smith said.