PARENTS and carers of children at Telopea Park School are concerned about the ACT Government’s plans to sell part of the school’s historic Montgomery Oval, the title for which has already been transferred from away from the Education Directorate.

The Telopea Park School Parents and Citizens Association (Telopea P&C) met on 9 April to discuss the ACT Government’s proposal, which would significantly reduce the open space available to children at the already-crowded school. In the above aerial photo of the school grounds the proposed area to be sold is outlined in red.

“We’re very concerned that the ACT Government’s plans for urban renewal in the Manuka area will mean selling the school’s historic tennis courts, where children of Telopea Park School play sports as part of their curriculum,” said Telopea P&C President Paul Haesler.

Tennis courts have been on the land since 1928 and were given for Telopea Park School’s use in the 1970s to accommodate the growing number of students – numbers which have grown further since.
The Telopea Park School P&C also expressed dismay at the complete lack of consultation and transparency about the decision.

“At no point did the ACT Government consult with the school community about the transfer of this land. All communication from the government has consisted of last minute declarative statements of what is about to happen. It remains unclear how the land will be used and how the potential development of the land would impact on the school and surrounding area,” Paul said.

“Our school community intends to fight this decision,” he added.