Estates parents push for new school

A PUSH to build a new primary school in Pakenham gathered pace last week with more than 30 people attending a meeting to advance the issue.
Residents of the town’s estates at Heritage Springs, Henty Park and Blue Horizons are spearheading the campaign, claiming there is a desperate need for new statefunded education facilities.
An action committee was formed at the meeting, which was chaired by Bass MP Ken Smith last Monday night at Lilypond House in Duncan Drive.
Cardinia Shire councillor Kate Lempriere said she supported the push for a new school.
Committee chairman Barry Hodge said the next step would be to plan the different ways residents can lobby for the facility.
“We’ll be looking at doing petitions, letters to MPs, anything we can to further our cause,” Mr Hodge said.
“Primary schools are overcrowded in Pakenham and a lot of parents are concerned about the future as more and more people come into the area.”
Land has been set aside in the Heritage Springs estate for a new school.
Mr Hodge said it was hoped to have a facility on site within three years.
Cr Lempriere said that while land had been set aside for the new school, the timing of it would be determined by the identification of public need and convincing the State Government that it should have a high priority.
Mr Smith said in practical terms that meant getting the government to allocate funds in the next budget so building could begin.