The Belconnen Community Council, represented by its Chair, Lachlan Butler, expresses its profound disappointment with the ACT Government’s delay in making a decision regarding the construction of a Belconnen Town Centre primary school. The Council emphasises the urgency of this vital public infrastructure and urges the Government to take immediate action to address the pressing needs of our growing community.
The ACT Government Infrastructure Plan released in 2019 included a strategic proposal for an early childhood education and primary school in the heart of the Belconnen Town Centre. The Belconnen Community Council has been a staunch advocate for this much-needed facility, and included it as a priority in our 2023-24 pre-budget submission. It is with great concern that we observe the lack of progress and uncertainty surrounding the realisation of this crucial project, especially the Minister’s response in estimates that no decision has been made on the project.
The demand is evident with approximately 250 primary school-aged children already living in the Belconnen Town Centre. As more homes are added to our town centre, the need for a nearby primary school will only escalate. The absence of a school within close proximity places an undue burden on families, negatively impacting access to quality education and community cohesion.
The Belconnen Community Council urgently calls on the ACT Government to prioritise the planning for a primary school in the Belconnen Town Centre to provide our community with the certainty it deserves. We believe that early and proactive planning and allocation of resources are critical to ensuring the long-term prosperity of the Belconnen Town Centre and maximising
the benefit of infrastructure investment.
We are eager to work collaboratively with the ACT Government to turn this vision into reality and fulfil the educational needs of our community’s children. The Belconnen Community Council remains committed to advocating for the betterment of our town centre and the well-being of all its residents.
Quotes Attributable to Lachlan Butler – Chair, BCC
“The delay in building a primary school within the Belconnen Town Centre is deeply disappointing and concerning for our community. As we witness the expansion of residential developments in our town centre, it is essential for the ACT Government to proactively plan for the future by investing in this public infrastructure now, to ensure the best location and outcomes are achieved.
“A dedicated primary school within the Belconnen Town Centre is not only about fulfilling current needs but ensuring that our community thrives in the years to come. It is an investment in our children’s future, enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering a vibrant and sustainable community.”