An Immaculate solution

At the last council meeting, the school requested extending the use of demountable classrooms for three more years.

Immaculate Heart College was originally allowed use of demountables in October 2011 for a period of three years as an interim solution while the school was built. However, no building applications for permanent classrooms have since been lodged to the Shire, according to chief executive Gary Tuffin.

Meanwhile, the school has grown to accommodate nearly 90 children and a large Catholic church is under construction next to the school.

Immaculate Heart College submitted a request to extend their temporary approval after Council contacted the school with concerns that little progress was being made.

Shire president Robert Hawes said Council was wary of setting a relaxed precedent for development.

‘Council gave due consideration to the potential impact that not granting an extension may have on the current students (approximately 85),’ he said.

‘However, for a number of reasons, Council did not support the officer’s recommendation to extend the temporary approval.

‘Whilst Council recognises the need for a school in Lower Chittering, it must be one that is of a suitable standard to meet the current and future needs of the community, by supplying appropriate facilities for the school children.’

Immaculate Heart College principal Angela Evangelinou-Yiannakis is aiming to resolve the issue.

‘A very productive meeting was held on Wednesday, 23 April, at 4.30pm on the school premises between Immaculate Heart College and the Shire executive and councillors regarding the matter of an extension for the demountable buildings,’ she said

‘Whilst the school is not in a position to comment further, a potential solution is in sight.’