Two key south-west politicians have accused each other of not doing enough to ensure the overcrowded Warrnambool Special Developmental School (SDS) gets the funding it needs to start building new facilities.
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The school community has been rallying to ensure it receives the millions it needs for a new school in next year’s budget.
Upper house MP James Purcell, who plays a key role as a crossbencher, said South West Coast MP Roma Britnell should have convinced her party, the Liberals, to commit to funding the school if it wins next year’s state election.
He said Mrs Britnell told him it was too far out from next year’s election to push for her party to commit.
“Our region is a stronghold for the Liberal Party and they should have enough respect for our region to support us at all times, rather than ignore us unless the election is imminent,” Mr Purcell said.
"Mrs Britnell needs to put politics aside, step up now and help me get some of the major projects funded in our region.”
Labor promised to build a new school prior to getting elected in 2014, and purchased a Wollaston Road site for a new school at the beginning of 2016.
Education Minister James Merlino toured the school this year and said building new facilities was a priority project.
Mrs Britnell hit back at Mr Purcell, saying he had been “shamefully silent” on the issue.
She said she was glad a conversation between the pair had “forced Mr Purcell into action”.
“I agree a year is too long to wait – but this project has been stalled for three years – which is also the amount of time Mr Purcell has been claiming to have almighty influence over government decisions,” Mrs Britnell said.
“If he has this influence, why has it taken him so long to act?
“Why is the new school still waiting for funding?
“Why hasn’t he viewed this as an important project until now?”