Despite a letter stating there is “insufficient demand for a new school in Ulladulla or Milton”, NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes has backflipped and said this is not the case.
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In a brief statement to the Milton Ulladulla Times Mr Stokes said he wouldn’t rule out the government buying the site of the former Shoalhaven Anglican School [SAS] in Milton.
“In response, the Department of Education is actively investigating [the] future infrastructure needs of the Shoalhaven area, including the purchase of the SAS site,” he said.
This contradicts a the letter obtained by the Times in which Mr Stokes said enrolment numbers were in decline and a new school would not be needed.
“Projections indicate that enrolments at the three government schools serving these communities –Milton Public School, Ulladulla Public School and Ulladulla High School – will decline [until the year] 2031,” he said in the letter dated December 8, 2017.
“I am advised that the NSW Department of Education’s demographic projections indicate there is currently insufficient demand for a new school in Ulladulla or Milton.
“Any future education infrastructure expansion would be addressed based on any changes in enrolment demands.”
On Wednesday, South Coast MP Shelley Hancock blasted the Mr Stokes and said she had “never felt so furious about in issue”.
Mrs Hancock had raised the need for another secondary school in the area with the minister on a number of occasions and made representations on the floor, yet was unaware of the decision until approached by the Times.
“This was a no brainer, but maybe the education department has got no brain?” she said.
“I will not have the southern part of the Shoalhaven ignored and treated this way.
“I am ashamed of the government, ashamed.”
Mr Stokes did not address Mrs Hancock’s lashing of her own government in his reply.
“The Speaker has been a passionate advocate for the South Coast, petitioning the government to purchase the former Shoalhaven Anglican School site,” he said.
Meanwhile, opposition education spokesman and former Ulladulla High School teacher Jihad Dib has backed Mrs Hancock’s calls for the government to acquire SAS site.
“I think what’s pretty clear here is that there is a sensible argument for this site be be acquired and turned into an education facility,” he said.
“A great opportunity is presenting itself for them to acquire a facility that is ready made and to do something to support the future.
“These are young families moving in, so I am surprised the government is saying there is no need.
“There is an opportunity here that has community support and makes perfect sense.”
