An official Petition demanding the NSW Government get on with the job of rebuilding Broadwater Public School was launched in the Lower Richmond Valley town on Wednesday by Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson with the enthusiastic support of the Broadwater Public School P & C Association.
The Petition demands the NSW Government withdraw the current unnecessary development application before Richmond Valley Council and issue development consent using the traditional method of a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning pathway which is common practice for State Government public infrastructure projects.
Mr Williamson said people power was the best way to get the Sydney Labor Government to pay attention and override bureaucratic bungling that has stalled the rebuild for more than two years.
"I have already contacted the Minister for Education, Ms Prue Car, and asked her to intervene," Mr Williamson said.
"It should be obvious that this is an urgent problem that can be fixed with a simple order from the Minister. Having as many locals as possible to sign the petition will hopefully get the message through."
Any NSW citizen can sign the petition which will be available in local businesses in the lower Richmond Valley or by contacting Mr Williamson's office on 6643 1244. Original signatures are required on all Petitions.
Mr Williamson said the project could be completed in just eight weeks because it’s a pre-fabricated build that is almost finished, but School Infrastructure NSW has instead lodged a development application with Richmond Valley Council, a step that is not required for crucial NSW public infrastructure.
"Lower Richmond Valley parents, community, teachers and most importantly the students are ready to return to their own classrooms, and I want to see that happen as a matter of urgency,” Mr Williamson said.
Secretary of the Broadwater Public School P & C Association, Emma Crethar said updates provided to the school community by NSW School Infrastructure in September last year highlighted the completion and issuing of a REF to neighbouring properties and advised parents the construction of the modular build school would only take eight weeks offsite.
“Despite these assurances, progress has been alarmingly slow, prompting questions about the reasons behind the extensive delays,” Ms Crethar said.
“The current abandoned and overgrown school ground is the first thing you see as you enter town and serves as a constant reminder of the devastation caused by the February 2022 floods.
“We are urging swift action and remain hopeful that with this Petition the NSW Government will step in and expedite the rebuilding process to enable earlier commencement of work, saving time and taxpayer’s money.
“Bringing our children back to their community as a matter of priority is essential for their well-being and educational continuity,” Ms Crethar concluded.
Comentários