Moorabool council has called on the Premier to step in after the state government announced it had abandoned plans to develop Bacchus Marsh land earlier earmarked for a primary school.
Almost 20 years ago, the then Liberal government of Jeff Kennett purchased land in Connor Street, just off Halletts Way, with the intention of eventually building a primary school to meet the needs of young families moving to the area.
But last week the Department of Treasury and Finance wrote to the council telling of its intention to sell the land.
The council has 60 days to advise if it wants to purchase the land.
Mayor Allan Comrie said the council was “at a loss” as to why the department would want to sell off the land. “It’s an ideal location for a school that is desperately needed,” Cr Comrie said.
“We were also told in writing by Education Minister James Merlino that the department would meet with council and work with local stakeholders to find a solution to schooling in Bacchus Marsh, but this has not occurred.”
Cr Comrie called on Premier Daniel Andrews and Melton MP Don Nardella to “intervene” and emphasise to Mr Merlino the importance of a primary school at the Connor Street site.
A department spokeswoman said the land in question was deemed not an appropriate location to meet future school needs following a demographic review of the area.
“Future primary school demand in the area surrounding the Connor Street site would be insufficient to justify its future development,” she said.
“The areas to the north and south of Bacchus Marsh, such as Darley and Maddingley, are expected to experience significant population growth and new schools may be required in these areas.”
The spokeswoman said the department would contact the council to discuss the demographic review and ways to meet future educational needs in Bacchus Marsh.
On social media, Bacchus Marsh residents urged the government to reinvest funds from the sale of the site back into the community, with some calling for it to be turned into a park.
“Just another infrastructure reneged on by the government,” one said. “Add this one to a very long list. Bacchus Marsh gets zip … again.”
