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PORT Stephens state member Kate Washington insists that there is still a ‘‘dire need’’ for a public high school in Medowie.
Despite Tuesday’s announcement that the Maitland Catholic Diocese would proceed with building a Catholic high school in Medowie, Ms Washington said the area still needed additional schooling.
“The Diocese’ decision confirms what the community has known for a very long time: we need more secondary schooling in Medowie,” she said.
“Today’s announcement doesn’t in any way relieve the Baird Government of its obligation to ensure that there is adequate access to public schooling in Medowie.’’
Ms Washington, who was elected in a surprise landslide in the March election, rose to prominence in Port Stephens campaigning for a high school in Medowie.
In March, prior to the election, opposition leader Luke Foley promised $40 million for a school if he was elected.
Before the election the Liberal government were unconvinced of the need for a school.
In 2011 the former MP, Craig Baumann, said he wanted to progress with planning so that the project was ‘‘shovel ready’’, but the government has since demurred, questioning whether there was a need for the school.
“The Government needs to stop telling the community there isn’t the need or demand for a public high school in Medowie and honour its promise to build one,” Ms Washington said.
