SYKES BATS FOR ALEXANDRA SCHOOL

Bill Sykes, the Nationals Member for Benalla, went into bat for the Alexandra Secondary College yesterday in Parliament. Dr Sykes asked the Government to reconsider their policy change which has toughened loan support conditions for school projects. This poorly considered decision by the Government may potentially delay construction of facilities at Alexandra Secondary College.

Dr Sykes spoke about the Alexandra Secondary College Cooperative explaining “This cooperative was formed in 1961 with the purpose of financing school building projects.”

Dr Sykes went on to read a letter received from Mr John Birtchnell the Chairman of the Cooperative.

“Historically, the cooperative has always been empowered to fund an approved project with a 100 per cent loan from an approved lending authority, and the interest thereon, has always been subsidised in varying amounts by the State Government, and a Government guarantee has secured the debt for the borrower.”

“As of the beginning of this year, the State Government has decreed that only 70 per cent of the project cost can be borrowed, leaving 30 per cent to be found by the community. The logic of this is beyond explanation, and has meant an approach to local organisations for support, such as the annual Truck and Ute show, the local Service Clubs et cetera,” read Dr Sykes.

Mr Birtchnell’s letter continued: “Our Cooperative was formed in 1961, to assist with the building of the College Assembly Hall, and its extension, and again with the Cafeteria addition, and the Squash Courts at the Leisure Centre. These projects amount to a total over the years of $156,131.00, all of which has been repaid. Now we have a new building project to fund the annex to be added to the Autoprac facility, at the new Technology Wing, which is devoid of a Car Hoist and Vehicle Bay. These are of course essential, but were apparently taken off the plan when $1.2million in 2002, became $1.8million by the time of commencement.”

Dr Sykes called on the Government to review the policy of education funding in regard to school fundraising so that community initiatives such as the Alexandra Secondary College Cooperative are encouraged and supported by government, not strangled by red tape.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989