LABOR has spearheaded a petition to fast-track the development of Estella’s first primary school, with North Wagga Public reportedly “bursting at the seams”.
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Enrolments at North Wagga Public have surpassed the school’s maximum student capacity at 110 per cent, according to Freedom of Information data.
The petition, which garnered more than 190 supporters in two days, urges the NSW Government to act.
Councillor Daniel Hayes said it was “imperative” that a plan is set into motion.
“There hasn’t been a new public school – with the exception of specialist schools and Tatton Public, which closed – in 40 years,” he said.
“We’ve seen enormous growth out at Wagga’s northern suburbs, and my understanding is that North Wagga Public is full.
“The residents of Estella need their voices heard and the government needs to make this happen.”
Former federal election candidate Tim Kurylowicz added:
“This is so important, and the people of Estella have waited far too long.”
More than 120 primary and high schools will be built or upgraded across NSW with $2.2 billion in new infrastructure funding to address chronic overcrowding.
Allan and Christine Graham, who moved to Estella in 2016, hope their daughter Steph will be able to walk to school in the coming years.
“It’s a logical step in what is now considered a family-orientated suburb,” Mrs Graham said.
“Estella is marketed as a great place to raise kids – you need a school to do that.”
State MP Daryl Maguire, who lobbied for the school, said it has been earmarked for Wagga’s north in budget papers.
“The logical place for it is Estella, but all will be made clear in the future,” he said.
“They can look after roads, rates and rubbish and we will look after schools, hospitals and health.
“This new school will help provide school facilities our community needs and deserves.”
The state budget will commit $2.2 billion over five years towards schools.
