The Minister for Education has sensationally backflipped on her position that ‘Broadford Secondary College is not currently experiencing enrolment pressure’ stated just over a month ago on February 23.
In response to questioning from the Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland in Parliament, the Minister has now stated on March 24 that:
The college was identified last year as part of the department’s annual review of schools experiencing enrolment pressure. As a result, it received an Enrolment Management Plan, providing directive enrolment guidance to limit Year-7 enrolments.
Ms Cleeland said the Minister’s cluelessness was a worrying sign.
“The Minister either has no idea what is going on in Broadford or simply isn’t interested in taking action,” Ms Cleeland said.
“On multiple occasions last year, we were informed the school was travelling fine, no capacity issues whatsoever. Now we find out the Department knew about these problems and was limiting Year 7 enrolments.
“Limiting enrolments means kids are having to travel further or to a different community just to attend school.”
Given the projected growth of the Mitchell Shire, an enrolment plan will not alleviate strain on schools in the region.
“Blocking people from attending a school isn’t going to stop the Mitchell Shire population from doubling in the coming decades,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While money is being poured into metro schools left right and centre, Broadford is being left to burst at the seams with no timeline on upgrades.
“Kilmore is without a public secondary school. This is a real issue for the families of Broadford and Kilmore and we need action.”
Given the Minister has finally acknowledged enrolment pressure at Broadford Secondary Ms Cleeland said the solution was simple.
“It’s clear the Andrews Government needs to put money in this year’s budget to upgrade Broadford Secondary and build its capacity,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This problem will continue to worsen if the government sits on their hands, lets Broadford break capacity and leaves Kilmore with no public secondary school.
“This government is happy to spruik their education investments in Melbourne. It’s time they provide a path forward for education in Broadford and Kilmore.”
