Medowie’s first public high school approved, but councillor warns of safety risks

CONSTRUCTION of Medowie’s first public high school will begin this September.

“After decades of lobbying, Medowie families will finally have a high school right here at home,” Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said.

“No more having to send our kids out of town; this is a massive investment in our growing town and in our kids’ futures.

“So many people in our community have let me know how excited they are to see the high school finally happening.

“It’s going to change children’s lives.”

However, concerns have been raised regarding the location of the school.

“The school is wanted, but this is the wrong location,” Councillor Ben Niland said.

“The decision report which essentially imposes the conditions of approval has not addressed in a meaningful way the major concerns I raised on behalf of the community.”

Councillor Niland was previously involved in a bike accident close to the school, which resulted in multiple surgeries and lasting injury.

“I am genuinely concerned about traffic and safety as well as flooding impacts once operational,” he told News Of The Area.

Kate Washington maintained that the final design of the school would not present traffic or safety issues.

“Port Stephens Council made a detailed submission to the NSW Department of Education raising issues related to traffic management and drainage,” she said.

“I was pleased to learn that [these] issues have been largely addressed in the final design of the school,” she said.

Minister Washington told News Of The Area she is happy to “work collaboratively on behalf of our community to make this an asset [of which] we can all be proud.”

By Cosette DE LORENZO