Page 2307 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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MS BURCH: I thank Mrs Jones for her question, and I too got the letter. I think it was posted fairly widely. I too asked the question, particularly with reference to enrolments into Harrison. The advice I got this morning was that for those students attending Franklin Early Childhood School, at the end of year 2 there is definitely a defined pathway to either Palmerston or Harrison. The advice also was that those students in year 2 now are attending year 3 in Harrison next year. So there is a defined pathway. We have an absolute commitment to in-area schools accepting children. But Gungahlin is a growth area and we will continue to respond and to develop. As the north of Canberra grows, we will grow our education facilities to match.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mrs Jones.
MRS JONES: Minister, regarding this matter, what consultations have taken place on the question of primary school capacity for the area, and who has been involved in those discussions?
MS BURCH: The Education and Training Directorate looks on a yearly basis at enrolments and makes decisions accordingly. It is not unknown, for schools that are reaching capacity and are stretched, that we put demountables in there. We have seen that at Duffy; we have seen that at other schools. We certainly recognise that Harrison primary is getting full, but our commitment is that public schools will accept students from in area.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, has land been allocated for a new primary campus in the area? If so, where?
MS BURCH: That is all part of future planning. We have certainly got a commitment to develop in Coombs because that is a growing area. But there is also a recognition as the north area continues to grow that we will match that need and plan for it accordingly.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, when will building in the area commence?
MS BURCH: When we have finished the planning and we earmark that timetable we will let you know, Mr Doszpot.
Community services—men’s sheds
MS PORTER: My question is to the Minister for Community Services. Minister, the 2013-14 budget provided $200,000 to undertake a feasibility study on additional men’s sheds in the ACT. Has the study been completed, and if so, what were the major recommendations?
MADAM SPEAKER: Ms Porter, could I ask you to repeat the question. I just missed the vital piece of information—$200,000 on?
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