Council has raised concerns about the location of a proposed new public school at Worrigee, southeast of Nowra.
The NSW Department of Education plans to build the preschool and primary school complex at 9 Worrigee Road, on the corner of Worrigee Road and Greenwell Point Road, adjacent to an agricultural business.
Mayor Patricia White wrote to the Minister for Education and Early Learning in August questioning the suitability of the site for a new school due to a range of technical concerns.
"I am perplexed this site is still being considered by the Department of Education particularly given the level of traffic in the area, the obvious land use conflicts with a neighbouring dairy farm, the lack public and active transport and the inadequate stormwater infrastructure in the area," said Cr White.
"I understand members of the community have spoken to the media this week about their unease around this proposed development and I echo the sentiment they have expressed," she said.
"While I am not opposed to a new school being built to support families in the Worrigee area, I think it's important the department ensure an appropriate site is selected and takes into consideration the health, safety and wellbeing of students," she said.
The NSW Government announced in 2019 it would build a new school in Worrigee. Council had not been consulted about the location prior to the announcement.
Council is concerned that a school located on the proposed site would generate an increase in traffic and given the existing traffic issues in the area, significant upgrades would be required at the intersection to manage the traffic impacts and ensure safety.
Furthermore, there is currently a lack of public and active transport in the area. It is critical that this type of infrastructure is provided to enhance urban liveability, environmental sustainability and most importantly, the health of children.
Council also expressed concerns with the Department about potential land use conflicts with regard to heavy vehicle movements and amenity for students given the site's proximity to agricultural properties on the floodplain.
Stormwater drainage was also raised as a major issue at the site by Council, as the area does not currently have a masterplan and strategic investigations have not been undertaken.
