Growth set to deliver ”new Torquay school”

Jane Emerick
Torquay could be in line for another primary school, a Department of Eduction spokesperson has told the Independent.
The spokesperson said the department was in discussions about a new school for the town but refused to reveal when work might start.
“Discussion with Surf Coast Shire about residential development in the Torquay area and the implications of that for education are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Torquay schools said the need for a new school was growing as their enrolments continued to swell toward capacity.
Bellbrae Primary principal Stephen McDonald said his school of 200 was considering a cap on enrolments.
“I definitely think there is a need for another primary school in Torquay,” Mr McDonald said.
“Numbers are steadily growing at rate of five to 10 students per year and that can’t go on forever.”
Torquay Primary principal Pam Kinsman said the growth of the town would soon warrant a new school.
Her school was set to begin construction of a secondary yearsseventonine facility this year.
St Therese vice principal Peter Teggelove had also noted a need for a third state school in the area.
“There is a need as the population continues to grow,” Mr Teggelove said.
Freshwater Creek Steiner School counsellor Michelle Turnour said her school’s enrolments were growing at 15 students a year.
Torquay councillor Ron Humphrey said the Education Department was eyeing a site near a proposed civic precinct off Surf Coast Highway at the town’s northern entry.
He said plans for the precinct were waiting on an Education Department commitment to build the new school.
“It’s important for council to get its planning right,” Cr Humphrey said.
“We need to have an understanding of all the future uses and users at the site. And the education department could play a role in the longterm planning.”