New High School Highlights Sell-Off Problems

Media Release.

 

Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, says the official opening of the Mackay Northern Beaches State High School highlights the shortcomings of the Newman Government’s fire sale of schools and school assets.

“The new high school was initiated in May 2011 under the former Labor government on land set aside to cater for future growth,” Mr Mulherin said.

“When the site was acquired in 2002 the demand for a high school did not exist but as the Northern Beaches area has grown there is now a clear need for a high school."

“The approach of the former Labor government is in stark contrast to the closure and sell-off of schools and school land being conducted by the LNP."

“These fire sales  inspired by the LNP’s Costello Report mean the opportunity is lost for children to go to a local state primary or high school if similar population growth then occurs in areas where schools are closing or future school sites are being sold."

“This is a short-sighted approach by the Newman Government."

“It is lucky the former Labor government had started developing the Northern Beaches SHS because if the LNP had its way the land may have been sold off and the opportunity lost to build a new school to meet local demand,” Mr Mulherin said.

He said the Education Minister, John-Paul Langbroek, had still not declared if the nine schools he planned to close was a full and final list.

“He also has not yet detailed all the school sites and school land such as sports fields he wants to sell to developers,” Mr Mulherin said."

“These are public assets he is selling off so the public should be told what they are losing.”