A community meeting, called by Davidson MP, Jonathan O'Dea, has stirred passionate debate over the future of Crown Land opposite Killara High School and adjacent to Koola Park.
The meeting was called to consider a plan to provide local Scouts with a replacement scout hall and the school with desperately needed open space to help relieve pressure on overcrowded facilities.
The on-site meeting included representatives of Killara High School, Killara Scouts, Ku-ring-gai Council and many local residents. It was organised and chaired by Jonathan O'Dea.
"Some local residents were worried about the impact of the plan on native bushland and local wildlife, while others expressed concerns about traffic movements or other matters," Mr O'Dea said.
"It was a useful and productive meeting. I understand that representatives of Killara High School and the Scouts will take the comments on board as they revise the proposal to hopefully address concerns.
"Certainly the school and the Scouts need improved facilities. If this can be achieved in a way which addresses local resident concerns, then everyone wins," Mr O'Dea said.
"The school, originally designed for 1,080 students, is now forced to operate with an astonishing 20 demountables in an effort to cope with almost 1,500 students. This was a point emphasised by those at the meeting who argued for the needs of the students.
"There is no doubt more resources are needed for high school facilities on the North Shore, following years of Labor neglect. I have highlighted this need repeatedly in Parliament over recent years," Mr O'Dea said.
