One of Wyndham’s new councillors is pushing for Williams Landing to get its own school.
Aaron An, who has previously petitioned Wyndham council and the state government for a school in the suburb, used his new councillor status last week to ask the council to lobby the state and federal governments on the issue.
Cr An said Williams Landing, and Wyndham as a whole, were in desperate need of more schools.
He said families were moving out of Williams Landing because of the lack of schools.
“The nearest primary and secondary schools are either far away from the local community or already experiencing enrolment pressure,” he said.
“To get to those schools, they have to cross major roads or even freeways and train lines. The children can’t walk or ride to school – it’s too far and unsafe.
“In the next five years, the number of secondary school-aged children in Wyndham will grow by 5000 – and by 10,000 over the next 10 years.”
His fellow councillor, Kim McAliney, agreed.
“I feel for the parents that wonder where their children will get a place in the future,” she said.
“While this is a state responsibility, as councillors of a relatively young community we need to look at all avenues to encourage more schools.”
Cr An’s motion was passed unanimously.
State Education Minister James Merlino said recent school investments in Truganina would benefit Williams Landing families.
“In 2015, we built Truganina P-9 College within 600 metres of the Williams Landing town centre,” he said.
“We have since provided funding to buy land for the proposed new Truganina East P-9 school and to upgrade Truganina P-9.
“Both of these developments will provide first-rate education opportunities for Williams Landing students. We are also working with Wyndham city council on ways to ease traffic issues impacting Williams Landing residents accessing local schools.”
Lalor MP Joanne Ryan declined to comment on the issue.
