By Jaidyn Kennedy
Council has unanimously passed a motion to object to a draft planning scheme amendment that would seek to reclassify a Truganina site from a potential government primary school to residential zone.
The amendment, which was put forth by developer Intrapac Ellarook Pty Ltd, requested the planning minister change the status of the 279 Woods Road site to allow for it to be used for housing, was challenged in the chamber.
Councillor Preet Singh said schools in the area were crowded and residents he spoke to wanted more schools developed.
“Having more housing in that area will not improve anything – I believe the state government should simply buy this site for a future school.”
Cr Josh Gilligan said it would be a shame if Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the request.
“It would be the biggest shame of this minister if she proceeds down the line with the flick of a pen and approves this,” he said.
He said the proposed Forsyth Creek P-6 school was still necessary in Truganina.
“Over 230 school kids will not have a school place if the government decides to give that for residential housing.”
The council report that recommended the objection said the council has consistently sought the retention of this potential school site identified in the Truganina Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) for educational purposes.
An Intrapac Property spokesperson said Wyndham councillors should stop wasting time and ratepayer money on defending an indefensible position.
“The City of Wyndham may need more school investment in the municipality, but it is schoolyard politics to act like this when a school has already been opened by the state government literally down the road.”
The spokesperson also said the Department of Education has since confirmed the Ellarook site is surplus to their needs as there is no logic to support two primary schools so close to each other.
According to the spokesperson, the nearby Warreen Primary School in Truganina, which opened in 2024, served the catchment area.
The planning minister and education minister were contacted for comment.
