A FAULTY electrical system has forced the closure of a Portland school until further notice from authorities.
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Portland Bay School closed its doors on Monday afternoon after WorkSafe Victoria operators identified a problem with the building’s power network.
The special developmental school posted notices outside its Edgar Street premises with South-West Coast MP Denis Napthine visiting the site yesterday.
The letter from Portland Bay School principal Steve Crossley stated the building was “closed for occupancy until further notice”. “Staff will be endeavouring to call each family in due course,” Mr Crossley wrote.
“Minimal answers are available at this stage but we will keep you informed as we know more.”
Dr Napthine said the forced closure highlighted the need for state investment to allow the school to move to larger premises.
“Urgent action is needed from the education minister to ensure that Portland Bay School can be reopened,” the former premier said.
“Following that, this Labor government should act to ensure that this school is funded properly. It was originally set up for five students on 0.23 hectares but now we have 40 students here at Portland Bay and that figure is set to grow to 46 students next year.”
A spokesman for Education Minister James Merlino said the fault with the school’s electrical system was identified following a visit by WorkSafe.
“Work is under way to assess and fix this problem and alternative arrangements have been put in place for the affected students,” the spokesman said.
“Meanwhile we are advised the local member, Denis Napthine, today toured the site — despite advice by a contractor that the site was unsafe on the basis of a WorkSafe notice.”
