Forum furore

John Van Klaveren
A PUSH for a separate secondary school at Torquay has become a political football, with both Liberal and Labor MPs claiming victory at a public forum this week.
Concerned Parents About Torquay Surfcoast Schooling (CPATSS) said almost 100 concerned parents attended its forum, while 600 had signed a petition supporting the school push.
Liberal Member for Western Victoria David Koch plans to table the petition in State Parliament.
Labor Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield, who spoke at the forum, described it as a “political rally organised by a political group”.
“If they say they are apolitical, it’s total and utter rubbish. They have become an inadvertent patsy for the Liberal party.”
Mr Crutchfield said he had been thanked after the forum for “setting the record straight”.
He disputed the attendance, claiming 60 attended of whom only 20 were unaligned with either CPATSS or the Liberal party.
“In an area with 2000 school- age children, to have only 20 genuinely concerned people is a reflection of the publicity and consultation that has occurred.
“As we continue to roll out the consultation I would hope this group (CPATSS) settles down to be more productive.”
Mr Koch described Mr Crutchfield’s treatment of CPATSS as “an absolute disgrace.”
He said Mr Crutchfield failed to address “the real issues”, was arrogant and took the community for granted.
Mr Koch said CPATSS was legitimately raising issues the Government had neglected.
“Torquay is a rural city in its own right and the only centre with a population of 14,500 without full secondary education.
“The Government has said it will provide full secondary schooling but failed to allocate anything in the budget. The parents of the area want the certainty of full secondary education.”
The Liberals have committed to a $20 million full secondary college on a green-field site in Torquay, with classes to commence 2012 if the coalition wins November’s state election.
CPATSS founding member Glenda Arenson said State Government’s plan to expand Torquay College from P-8 to P-12 on its existing site would lead to overcrowding and traffic congestion on busy Grossmans Rd.
Ms Arenson said the forum unearthed a raft of new questions and issues.
“I don’t care which party does it but we need to have a separate secondary or at least a senior secondary school in Torquay.”
Ms Arenson said the plan to expand Torquay College would fail to meet demand.
“The projected enrolment figures already demonstrate this. Parents will still be bussing up to 1000 students to Geelong after it’s built.”