While most Riverina parents were more than pleased about an additional school for the area, others took to social media to remind residents of dwindling numbers at Collingullie Public School. 

Organising a bus for the 23 kilometre journey for Wagga youngsters was suggested as a more practical, cheaper option rather than the building of a new school. 

Reports of just four students in attendance at the Collingullie Public School were revealed by The Daily Advertiser in April, with the school facing a potential closure. 

Collingullie business owner Russ Meyers said there was a perfectly good school sitting half empty. 

“We’ve had a lot of money spent on Collingullie Public School but we need numbers,” Mr Meyers said. 

“The school will remain open in the short term but people coming out from Wagga could really help.” 

While Mr Meyers said he recognised the demand for a school in a developing area such as Estella, he would love to see excess numbers helping Collingullie to increase its enrolment. 

Resident Tracy Taylor took to Facebook to tell parents to bring their children out to Collingullie. 

“There’s enough space for 60 kids in a fantastic and safe environment, the facilities are already there and ready for enrolments,” Ms Taylor said. 

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said there was no point in shipping students from Wagga to Collingullie. 

“If parents want to send their children from Estella to Collingullie then that’s a decision for them but I don’t think they will,” Mr Maguire said. 

“That school is to service Collingullie and its immediate area.” 

Mr Maguire would not speculate on the potential location of the new primary school, with debate still circulating around Wagga.

“I would like to see it constructed in an area which will look after all students needs in the 21^st century to support our growing community,” Mr Maguire said. 

A Daily Advertiser poll asked readers on Monday where the new primary school should be built, with an overwhelming number voting for Estella. 

72 per cent of more than 600 voters chose Estella as the number one position for the school while 79 votes went to Lloyd as the second preference. 

Bourkelands was the third most popular spot with 40 votes followed up by Glenfield Park with 37 votes.  

Estella Progress Association president Graham Cotter said the amount of school aged children living in Estella would increase dramatically in the next 10 years, increasing demand for a school.

“It’s nice to see some funding but it would be good to get some confirmation on where it’s going,” Mr Cotter said.