Ulladulla Public School

About this Item
Speakers - Smith Mr Russell
Business - Private Members Statements

ULLADULLA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr SMITH (Bega) [6.36]: Last year I raised in the House the plight that faced members of the Ulladulla public school community. I am concerned that there has been no indication that the school will be upgraded. As I am now receiving further correspondence from the parents and citizens association and parents I would like to reiterate the real need for this work to be carried out. This is particularly timely in the light of the upcoming budget - budget day being set for 21 May. As it is only a couple of weeks before the budget will be brought down, I hope that the Minister will consider the upgrading of the Ulladulla public school within that budget.

The school was founded 135 years ago and is situated in very pleasant surroundings within both natural bushland and established gardens. With more than 700 students - which is twice the capacity of existing buildings, which were built for a student population of 300 - it has been necessary to provide increased accommodation with seven demountable classrooms, one demountable library and a demountable administration block. A massive amount of the school accommodation is now in demountable buildings, which is not good for education. The demountable buildings have been in place for some years now and it is difficult to keep up with the necessary maintenance. The library leaks, which is very distressing to the parents and citizens association as many of the books and equipment stored there were provided through parents and citizens funds or personal donations. In the past few years resources to the value of more than $21,000 have been provided in this way, and it is a disgrace that they are susceptible to such damage.

Termite infestation is a recurring problem. I am sure honourable members would agree that continuous treatment with arsenous trioxide dust is most undesirable and would be unnecessary if the buildings were brought up to the standard of permanent buildings. I have previously publicly congratulated the staff for providing excellent educational programs, which are delivered in a warm and caring environment. However, patience is wearing very thin, particularly when expectations were raised to the highest level that funds would be made available for the upgrading to commence. Plans for a new library, hall, canteen, covered outdoor learning area, classrooms, and staff and student amenities were started in 1993-94. In keeping with the historic nature of the site, the sandstone cottage which houses the school residence and staffroom were also to be restored.

The department led the school to understand that funds for construction work would be available the following year. I assure the House that it was a devastating blow when the funds did not eventuate. It is indicative of the quality of the staff that, despite such a bitter disappointment, the students have continued to receive the very best education possible, with the appropriate learning programs directed to the individual needs of the children. Over $70,000 has been provided by the community towards these learning programs and aids, and the Minister has a duty to provide a quality school to complement such outstanding community support. I call on the Minister to honour the commitment already given by his department to upgrade the school.

Ulladulla is a very fast growing area, and the 700 students undoubtedly need to be housed. However, a building program is required which considers the future and I am sure that the detailed planning currently being done has taken into account future growth rates. Two years ago the school was number 51 on a statewide priority listing for the capital works program - we missed out that year and last year - and I hope that the forthcoming capital works program will contain an allocation to complete the ongoing planning work to ensure that the Ulladulla Primary School is brought up to scratch. Primary education in Ulladulla should be of
Page 688
the very highest standard for the students and the rest of the local community. [Time expired.]

Last modified 05/12/2007 16:33:47 : Update this page