BRIGHTON Council has welcomed the announcement by Opposition Leader Rebecca White that if elected to government Labor would investigate establishing a new high school at Brighton.
This would occur in the first year of a new Labor Government.
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said research showed Brighton would be the fastest growing local government area in the State over the next decade and the need for a new high school was paramount.
He was pleased the Labor Party had recognised this and hoped that the Liberals would also commit to the development of a high school.
“Brighton Primary School, with an enrolment approaching 700 is already one of the biggest primary schools in the state, yet on ending grade six virtually every student travels to Glenorchy or Hobart to go to high school,” Cr Foster said.
“Brighton has affordable land and families want to move here. The only thing holding back growth is the lack of a high school offering years seven to 12.
“Brighton Council is a strong believer that improving education outcomes can also play a major role in enhancing social and community outcomes in the municipality.
“The Jordan River Learning Centre caters very well for children in Bridgewater, Gagebrook and Herdsman’s Cove, however the active promotion of the Learning Centre to Brighton students and families over many years has failed. Each school day, hundreds of extra vehicles travel south taking children to private and government schools outside the municipality.
“The establishment of a high school in Brighton, progressively offering years seven to 12, has been a priority of Brighton Council for many years and will also serve the Southern Midlands and Central Highlands communities.
“There is sufficient land available in Brighton, a potentially large student population and proximity to the Farm School.”
Cr Foster said it was now time for all political parties to get on board and commit to establishing a high school at Brighton to provide much needed education opportunities for the community and to support the current and anticipated growth of the region.
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster
