UPDATE: Parents pushing for a new Yarraville area high school have slammed a state government decision to announce a $20 million school in a marginal Liberal seat.
SKY High has spent a decade pressing the need for a secondary school in the Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville area but the state government has rejected the need for the school.
SKY High president Melissa Horne said rapid growth in the inner-west makes the SKY area worthier than Prahran for a new high school.
“While the Premier seems to be spending with gay abandon on schools in marginal Liberal seats, he simply can’t ignore Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville for much longer,” she said.
“With 1500 more homes set to be built at the Yarraville Gardens development our case is stronger than ever.”
Premier Denis Napthine said the new school will cater for students otherwise needing to Hawthorn, Glen Eira or Elwood.
“It is fantastic that the Victorian Coalition government can give families in Prahran the certainty of a dedicated state secondary school for their children.”
But Ms Horne seized on the comments, noting children in Seddon, Kingsville and Yarraville have to travel similar distances to reach school.
“So we welcome Premier Napthine’s new methodology of assessing whether we deserve a new high school.”
Education Minister Martin Dixon’s office did not respond to questions about the reasons behind the decision or suggestions a marginal Liberal seat is being favoured over a safer Labor area.
A spokeswoman said the government understands communities like Yarraville are passionate about local education.
“Minister Dixon has previously met with members of the community and has heard their concerns.
“The government has to make difficult decisions and is managing the needs of school communities across Victoria.”
Footscray MP Marsh Thomson said she was outraged by the decision.
“There is a verified need for increased capacity in the inner-west; for Minister Dixon to play politics with out children’s education is a disgrace.”
Ms Thomson, who last week tabled a 600-signature petition in Parliament calling for a SKY area high school, said Labor would continue working with the inner-west community towards increasing student capacity.
