Push for high school gains momentum

THE Leopold community’s push for a high school is gaining momentum, with Bellarine Liberal candidate Brian McKiterick meeting with residents at the weekend.

About 30 locals turned out despite rain at Gateway Sanctuary Playground on Saturday to tell Mr McKiterick why the issue was important to them.

In reply, Mr McKiterick said he was fully supportive of a high school for Leopold and told the group they needed one for their families and their future.

“I’m actually from Torquay, which is similar to Leopold with the fast growth and families moving in and the issues about not having enough infrastructure,” Mr McKiterick said.

“In regards to a school, it’s all good for people to say go to Newcomb Secondary College or go to Geelong High School, but in reality, having a secondary school keeps the community together.

“Your kids are all going to the same school, parents see each other and are all involved in sport, it actually keeps that Leopold community together.

“And with a significant number of children at the primary school, how are they all going to access the one school, and you have the right of choice.”

Campaign leader Josh Robins said Leopold residents needed to keep contacting representatives of the state government and local council, and said he would be starting a petition and action group.

Allpoints Real Estate Leopold supports a high school for Leopold and donated sausages and bread for the meeting, which were cooked by Leopold Neighbourhood Watch volunteers.

Sign the petition at change.org/p/secondary-school-in-leopold-needed.