MITCHELL Shire Council is doubling down on its calls for a public secondary school in Kilmore, with Council throwing its support behind an upcoming community forum.
The community forum will be held on Tuesday, September 15 from 6.30 to 8pm at the John Taylor Room at the Kilmore Library.
The Public High School for Kilmore community group said in its event it urged many people to come along.
“Join us for a community meeting to talk about what we all know is missing – a local high school for Kilmore,” they wrote.
“Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or just someone who believes our community deserves this, come along and hear how you can get involved.
“We’re building momentum, and we’d love to see YOU there!”
The forum is timely for the group and Council as it continues to push for state parties and candidates to commit to the purchase of land, a design and construction of a public secondary school as part of its five biggest calls-to-action ahead of November’s state election.
Kilmore is recognised as the largest town in Victoria without public secondary education, with over 1200 secondary school-aged children having to travel to Wallan, Broadford or further out to receive education.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall said there was a significant focus on helping the group achieve its goal of getting a secondary high school up and running in the town.
“This is a community-driven campaign led by local people who understand firsthand the impact of not having a public secondary school close to home. Council is proud to support Public High School for Kilmore and strengthen the community’s call for action,” he said.
“Families shouldn’t have to leave their community each day to access public secondary education.
“Kilmore’s population has reached 12,991 and is projected to reach 24,910 by 2046. The need for a local public secondary school is already clear and will only become more urgent as the community grows.
“More than 1200 secondary school-aged children already live in the Kilmore area. Their daily travel places pressure on families, students and neighbouring schools that are already stretched.
“The location identification stage has been completed. We’re now calling for a firm commitment from the next State Government to purchase the land and progress the school through design and construction.
“This community forum is an important opportunity for residents to come together, learn more and show every side of politics that Kilmore expects action.”
Previously, Council told the community at last month’s update in Beveridge that infrastructure had to grow alongside growing communities.
“These priorities cover different parts of Mitchell, but the challenge is consistent across our Shire,” Cr Dougall said.
“Infrastructure and services must grow with communities, not follow years later when the gaps have become harder and more expensive to fix.
“Council cannot deliver projects of this scale alone. We will continue working constructively with all sides of politics, but our community needs firm commitments and certainty of investment from the next State Government.”
