Four closed Hobsons Bay schools are set to be rezoned for residential development against the council’s wishes.
The state education department has declared the former Altona
Gate, Altona West, Eastona Park and Laverton primary schools surplus to
educational needs.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy has established a Surplus Land
Rezoning Project Standing Advisory Committee to decide the future use of
the sites.
Addressing the council meeting last week, Cherry Lake ward
councillor Sandra Wilson said the decision was likely to cause community
angst.
“None of those sites can be considered for future use as a school
site,” she said. “They’ve just been relinquished and they’re gone.
“So in terms of meeting the needs of our growing municipality, that does raise some concerns for me.”
Altona P-9 College could still be expanded for years 10-12 in the future, even if the land behind the school is sold off.
