State ‘should build schools’

TOOMUC Ward councillor Kate Lempriere last week accused the State Government of “dragging its tail” in improving education facilities in Pakenham and district.
Speaking about a priority list that the council will use to curry favour from candidates at the next Victorian election, Cr Lempriere said new schools were most important. Moves are afoot to add at least one primary school to the three operating in Pakenham. The council is also hoping to attract funding for a TAFE college to increase education opportunities for local young people.
Cr Lempriere said the provision of education in Cardinia Shire was “disgraceful”.
“Our schools are absolutely overflowing, it’s just not good enough,” she said.
“Council is bending over backwards to provide preschools, we have provided the sites (for new primary schools), the government at this stage is dragging its tail.”
Cr Lempriere, who with mayor Garry Runge sought Liberal Party preselection to contest the seat of Gembrook, said she had heard the next statefunded school would not be built in the area until 2009.
“How ridiculous,” she said.