The site of the future Wellard Village Primary School (planning name) is partly covered by vegetation including a number of tuart trees, which the Commonwealth Government recently added to the threatened list of ecological communities.
Because of the sensitive nature of the site, a more rigorous consideration of the vegetation is required. The Department of Education is required to seek the approval of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to clear the vegetation to allow the school to be built.
The formal Commonwealth assessment process is underway and it is anticipated that the process will be completed by mid-2021.
The new primary school will remain at the Wellard Village site and is now expected to open in 2023.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"I understand families may be disappointed and it is unusual but it is important that we do the right thing and follow the process that has been set out by the Commonwealth Government.
"We wanted to let local families know as soon as possible that they will need to wait one more year to ensure the world-class facilities are completed to the optimum standard and can serve the community in the long term.
"I am deeply disappointed that we can't get this school happening sooner but understand that we need to respect the Commonwealth process and our unique local environment."
