Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has called on the State Government to do all it can to ensure Killara High School receives its fair share of funding under the Federal Government’s latest economic package.
Under the package, all schools can apply for funding of up to $200,000 for minor maintenance and infrastructure, while secondary schools can also access a $1 billion pool for science and language laboratories.
“I remind the Minister for Education that Killara High School has already submitted a plan for capital works with a science focus and I call on the Government to ensure all necessary funding is made available for the project,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Over recent years, Killara High School has produced outstanding results, despite being forced to endure sub-standard facilities.
“Concerns have been raised about the lack of maintenance and increasing enrolments has resulted in a growing number of demountable classrooms encroaching on what is left of the school oval,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I also call on the Minister to utilize additional funding, made available by the Federal economic package, to expand the school using vacant crown land across the road.
“This land could provide desperately needed additional classroom space for Killara High as well as other valuable community facilities” Mr O’Dea said.
“It could even open the way for Macquarie University to take teaching courses into the school environment and provide a range of community facilities.
“The Federal package includes funding for community projects such as libraries and sporting facilities,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The opportunity has never been better. The question is whether State Labor has the resolve to seize the opportunity and address the well documented shortfall,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
