community,

Thousands of new residents but only one small school. That’s the situation facing many people moving into new suburbs in Campbelltown’s north. The state government had planned to upgrade Bardia Public School – formally Ingleburn North Public School – from a 300 student facility to a 1000 student campus to accommodate the rapid population growth in the area. The upgrades included 44 new classrooms, a sporting field, basketball court and outdoor learning areas. Upgrades were expected to be complete next year however that completion date has been pushed back a year, angering residents and Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong. Mother of the three, Sarah Durbridge was one of the lucky ones. Her oldest, seven-year-old Parker, currently attends the school which means her second eldest Leo, 4, has been automatically accepted for a place at the school when he starts next year. She said she felt for others who may not be as fortunate. “It’s crazy. Yes it’s good new houses are being built but you have to think things through,” she said. “The school is being left behind. Everything is being built around it. “The school (and its upgrades) should have been focused on first.” Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong said it was not good enough to have new residents move into the area without the infrastructure in place to support their basic needs – like public education. “Bardia Public School is located in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing catchments and yet the government fails to deliver on its promise of more classrooms,” he said. “It’s completely unacceptable and farcical. “More people are moving into the area each day and yet this government sits idly on its hands and does nothing. “The Liberal government owes parents, teachers and students an explanation for this appalling delay.” Mr Chanthivong also said ongoing construction works on neighbouring estates had caused headaches for local residents and parents of Bardia Public School students. “Meanwhile, parents tell me of horror stories of parking chaos with construction going on all around them,” he said. “How much longer must parents, teachers and students put up with this mess?” Mrs Durbridge said a little improvement would make a big difference to the safety of the students during morning drop offs and afternoon pick ups. “I watch the chaos in the morning and afternoon,” she said. “One thing that would improve safety would be a crossing guard – someone to control the traffic.”

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