Backlash over $81m redevelopment
Moriah president Stephen Jankelowitz: 'It’s vital that we unite as a community to ensure this project is a success'.
THE fate of Moriah College’s $81.7 million upgrade will be decided next year by the NSW government in the face of opposing campaigns by the school and local residents.
In an email to parents and alumni last week, Moriah president Stephen Jankelowitz said it was “vital that we unite as a community to ensure this project is a success”, noting the proposed new science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics facilities, and an independent learning centre for high school students.
The proposal – which also includes upgrades to the early learning centre, as well as expanded open, green spaces and changes to traffic and parking locations – has angered the Queens Park Residents group, which has labelled the project a “gross overdevelopment”.
“As all Queens Park residents know, the Moriah students, teachers and parents cause considerable disruption to our quiet suburb every school day and often in the evenings as well,” the group claimed.
“Under previous DA approvals the school was forced to create and adhere to a TTPP (Traffic, Transport and Parking Plan).
“The school believes this plan is largely adhered to but we, as local residents, know better. Every day the school community breaches this plan so frequently many of us have stopped bothering to complain. But enough is enough.”
Jankelowitz said over the last six months, the college has undertaken an “open and detailed consultation process” with nearby neighbours and stakeholders, including “holding a community consultation session at the school and keeping everyone informed via letterbox drops and by email”.
“This will continue as the project progresses,” Jankelowitz said.
He urged members of the community to lodge submissions in favour of the redevelopment on the NSW government’s Major Projects website. The deadline for submissions was Wednesday, December 18.
“We believe that several of our neighbours are also making submissions,” Jankelowitz stated.
“I am asking for your help to make our vision a reality by taking just a few minutes to show your support for the exciting plans that will upgrade our learning spaces and provide the best opportunity for our thinkers, innovators, change agents and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
Moriah currently has capacity for 1680 students and is seeking an increase of 17 per cent across early learning through to year 12, to be delivered in a staged approach over the next 15 years.
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