IN A major announcement this morning, Opposition Leader Luke Foley revealed a new Labor government would build a $40 million high school on land in Ferodale Road, adjacent to Wirreanda Public.
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Mr Foley said if elected on March 28, a comprehensive Year 7-12 high school would be delivered by Labor in the first term of government.
The campaign for a public high school in Medowie has been a major priority for Labor candidate for Port Stephens Kate Washington.
Ms Washington said that the Medowie community had the student numbers to sustain a high school and that Department of Education land had been available since 1983.
‘‘Latest figures state there are up to 1000 high school students leaving Medowie every day ...that number doubles when you include outlying areas such as Karuah, Salt Ash and Tanilba Bay,’’ Ms Washington said.
‘‘Medowie currently has 1000 primary age children and it is anticipated that around 380 children will be eligible to start Year 7.’’
Ms Washington said Medowie students travel in all directions to go to high school - Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Nelson Bay.
‘‘They travel long distances, over long hours, on buses without seatbelts, and for parents of children with disabilities or health issues, the absence of a local public high school really takes its toll.’’
Ms Washington said prior to the 2011 election the Liberal government had identified Medowie’s need for a high school, committing to start the planning stage.
‘‘This never happened. A new high school will happen under a Labor government.’’
Ms Washington said the $40 million would include planning, design and construction work.
