Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison has ramped up her campaign for improvements to Gillieston Public School, again calling on the NSW Government to address the ongoing significant infrastructure issues at the site.
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Ms Aitchison has been lobbying for change at the school for years.
This week she introduced a notice of motion in the Legislative Assembly that:
- Acknowledges the significant pressure on Gillieston Public School's infrastructure due to the surrounding rapidly growing housing developments.
- Notes numerous requests have been made to have the school upgraded from a 19th century schoolhouse surrounded by demountables to a 21st century learning centre of excellence.
- Condemns the Minister for failing to address significant issues such as no town sewer services.
- Calls on the NSW Government to address the significant infrastructure issues at Gillieston Public School immediately by allocating funding in the 2022/23 Budget for an urgent upgrade.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said she wants to reassure the Gilleston community the NSW Government is closely monitoring school infrastructure requirements in the local area.
She said this was to make sure the State addresses demand from local housing development and any predicted population growth.
"We have a budget process for prioritising school projects that not only looks at addressing growth, but ensuring existing infrastructure is modernised," Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Aitchison said, Gillieston Heights is one of the fastest-growing areas in Maitland yet its primary school is suffering serious neglect at the hands of the current Government."
"The community and I have been campaigning for many years calling for the NSW Government to take urgent action to upgrade the school."
"The school is surrounded by new housing estates yet it's still not connected to town sewer, it makes no sense"
The Liberals and Nationals must make this school a priority and ensure there is money allocated in the 2022/23 Budget for an urgent upgrade."
"Students and teachers deserve to be learning and teaching in 21st century permanent, flexible and innovative learning spaces," she said.
