Preschool siting concerns raised with Education Minister
Community concerns about the location of the Umina Beach Public School Public Preschool will be raised with the State Education Minister Ms Prue Car.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said she had written to the Minister last week requesting "an urgent meeting with the associated decision-makers".
Ms Tesch wrote to the Minister after an online petition was started on Friday, April 11, calling for the proposed siting of the preschool to be rejected.
"This plan includes uprooting our infant's playground and oval, significantly affecting their outdoor play area," the petition stated.
"Safety is a prime concern.
"With the introduction of a car park, the risk of accidents involving our little ones could escalate.
"We don't want our school to be a risk zone for our children.
"The significance of outdoor play for children cannot be overstated, with countless studies showing its importance in promoting healthy physical and emotional development.
"The school has requested community feedback on this matter.
"This petition is our resounding 'no'.
"There are other areas within the school grounds that can be used for the new preschool without impinging on the current infant oval and playground.
"We intend to ensure that our children's safety and play areas are not compromised by this proposed construction."
In a letter to Peninsula News "as a supporter of early childhood education", P/C Association committee member Ms Sarah Lambkin said: "I express both my support for the addition of a new preschool in our community and my concern regarding the proposed location for its construction.
"While I welcome the investment in expanding educational infrastructure, the current proposed site will significantly impact an important green space and outdoor playground that is critical for students K-2 years.
"These outdoor areas play a vital role in children's development and wellbeing, offering a safe place for physical activity, social interaction, and a connection to nature-especially in an increasingly urbanised environment."
She said a satisfactory alternative site had been identified within the school grounds.
Ms Tesch said: "It is essential that any proposed public preschool does not negatively impact the education and development outcomes of the current and future students at Umina Beach Public School.
"I have written to Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car sharing our community's concerns about the proposed location for the project and have also requested an urgent meeting with the associated decision makers.
"The proposed new NSW Government funded public preschool at Umina Beach Public School will provide dozens of new critically needed, free preschool places for young children and their families in our local community.
"I have heard from too many families who are unable to access early education spaces on the southern end of the Central Coast and this public preschool is an important step to delivering critical additional early education spaces in our community."
Ms Tesch encouraged anyone with concerns to email my office at gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
"These emails will be shared directly with the Minister."
Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid also wrote to the State Education Minister.
"It has been brought to my attention that our community does not believe that proper consultation has taken place concerning the final site for this new public preschool on the school grounds."
He said that concerns raised with him included the loss of greenspace for Year K-3 students, the placement of carparking, the impact on local fauna and flora, and the management of construction activity.
"Our community would appreciate that you review the current plans for the preschool's placement and consider further consultation with parents and stakeholders to identify the most suitable site."
SOURCE:
Social media, 14 Apr 2025
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford