Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has launched a petition demanding the NSW Labor Government get on with the job of rebuilding Broadwater Public School.
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, 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.”
Mr Williamson said the project could be completed in just eight weeks because it’s a prefabricated build that is almost finished.
“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.
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.
Broadwater Public P & C Association Secretary, Emma Crethar, said despite assurances to the school community by NSW School Infrastructure in September last year, progress has been alarmingly slow, prompting questions about the reasons behind the extensive delays.
“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 taxpayers’ money.
“Bringing our children back to their community as a matter of priority is essential for their well-being and educational continuity,” Ms Crethar said.
Copy of the petition – https://www.nswnationals.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Broadwater-Public-School-rebuild-Petition.pdf
