Thursday, 3 April 2025

Forsyth Creek P–6 school

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:13): (1588) My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Planning regarding the possibility of rezoning a government owned site for a proposed school to a residential area in Truganina. The action I seek is for the minister to commit to delivering the much-needed Forsyth Creek P–6 school in my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region and reject the proposed planning change.

It has been reported that the change to the planning zone has been proposed by the developer. If approved by the Minister for Planning, it would allow the land to be used for housing instead of education. This is a disgraceful turn of events for the community in my electorate. During the recent Wyndham council meeting councillors expressed their outrage at this proposed change, with Cr Singh saying it is very disappointing that this happened, while Cr Gilligan described this as a complete act of cowardice.

The Woods Road site has long been listed as essential to meeting local education needs. According to council population data, Truganina’s population is forecast to grow from 34,574 in 2021 to more than 52,800 by 2041. Council-commissioned research found that five government primary schools would be needed in the suburb by 2026, but only four are currently planned. This Forsyth Creek P–6 school was supposed to help meet the growing needs and the demand. However, this proposed backflip will place many families in jeopardy of not receiving quality education for their children. The Allan Labor government’s failed housing policy is now causing families in the western suburbs to lose access to quality education. It is time the government listened to residents of Truganina and delivered them the school infrastructure they need and deserve. Minister, could you please commit to delivering the much-needed Forsyth Creek P–6 school and reject the proposed planning change? It is not delivering our vital school infrastructure to make the west more livable for all residents living in the west.