Last-ditch bid fails to keep school
22nd March 2010
THE State Government has rejected a bid which would have seen a school for children with significant learning difficulties remain in Brunswick.
The Government said the soon-to-be-vacated Trinity Campus of Antonine College, in Saxon St, Brunswick, was too small for an expanded Brunswick Special Development School.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike last month announced the 67-student school in Wales St, Brunswick West, would move to a new purpose-built campus 10km away in Heidelberg West, where it could expand. Some parents, including Moonee Ponds' Anne Murphy, have been fighting the relocation, fearing it would mean significantly longer travel times.
Dr Murphy set up a forum this month in a last-ditch bid to stop her child's school from moving.
About 12 Moonee Valley families are affected by the move.
Local MPs and Opposition education spokesman Martin Dixon have backed Trinity College as an alternative site.
Federal Labor MP Kelvin Thomson this month requested the Government investigate the feasibility of buying the Trinity Campus which will close at the end of the year when Antonine College moves to the former St Joseph's College site in Pascoe Vale South. Trinity Campus was not for sale when options for BSDS were being canvasse.
But Government spokesman Chris Owner said the option was not viable.
The new school was set to take up 2.5 ha and Trinity College's Saxon St campus was little more that half a hectare, he said.
``The school has determined that the most appropriate site for a new facility is the Banksia-Latrobe College site in Heidelberg.''
Notice Board
Parliament of Victoria
Live Broadcast
Subscribe
Want to keep up to date with the latest from Martin? Subscribe to our newsletter...
Enrol to Vote
Your vote will help shape Victoria's future, click here to enrol.
Survey
Take the time to complete our survey to let Martin know the issues which are of concern to you.
Contact Martin
Martin Dixon MP
State Member for Nepean
Shop 1, McCrae Plaza
Cnr Lonsdale Street and Pt Nepean Road
McCRAE VIC 3938
Phone: (61) 3 5986 6661
Fax: (61) 3 5981 1360
Email: martin.dixon@parliament.vic.gov.au