New site for school

The Standard understands the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has bought a 18.5 acre site on Wollaston Road in the city’s northern growth corridor.

A Department spokeswoman would not confirm the purchase but said following a recent Expression of Interest process the Department was finalising a decision on the site.

“An announcement will be made once the site is purchased,” she said. 

“The Victorian Government is working to deliver a brand new Warrnambool Special Developmental School that will give students and teachers the space and high-quality facilities to learn and grow. 

“The Government’s first Education State budget included $5 million to purchase land and plan for a brand new Warrnambool Special Developmental School.” 

The school community has been pushing for a new site since 2013 when it became clear the Hyland Street school was completely inadequate and failing to meet the demands of its special needs students. 

The school was built in 1992 to house about 30 students but it was expected about 125 students will be enrolled this year.

In 2013 there were two small play areas for students, one suitable for students aged prep to grade four, but due to a lack of space the students from grade five to year eight also used the area.

School council president Elaine Knowles said a new site would benefit the whole school community.

She said just to have a flat block of land would make a huge difference. 

“The school was built in the 1990s for no more than 35 students.”

Initially the Department looked at using surrounding land to expand the school but because of its location on a large sloping hill the nearby land was deemed unsuitable.

There would also have been difficulties developing the current site due to excavation work needed and a system of ramps installed to allow all students to access various buildings.

In 2014 The Standard reported that new buildings and a lack of outdoor space had led to overcrowding at the school.

Classes were moved into the staff room and the school’s hall had been taken over for storage.