ON any given school day, Bangalay Drive in Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie is bumper-to-bumper during student drop-off and pick-up times.
The NSW Department of Infrastructure is now adding to the frustrations of parents and local residents with plans to construct a new preschool at Tacking Point Public School.
It is part of the NSW Government’s historic $769 million plan to deliver 100 new co-located public preschools across the state.
Around Tacking Point Public School, however, parking is already a problem.
One Lighthouse Beach resident told Port Macquarie News Of The Area that more cars in the area will have a serious impact on locals.
“I live in a side street off Bangalay and we’re hard-pressed getting a park out the front of our house during school hours as it is”, they said.
“Mornings and afternoons are a nightmare.
“Cars double-park out the front of the school and up all of the side streets.
“I have had to ask multiple different parents to move their cars after they have parked across my driveway.”
Another resident expressed her concern for the kids walking home from school or to their waiting parents.
“I can’t even tell you how many times I have seen a child almost get hit by a car walking across the streets,” she said.
“There’s one lollipop lady (crossing supervisor) and that’s it.
“More cars will mean even more safety issues for the little ones.”
The proposed location of the preschool is next to the sports court at the front of the school.
The Department of Infrastructure says this location offers the “optimal combination of proximity to street access, minimal earthworks, and the highest preservation of play space.”
The School’s P&C committee disagrees.
It is sharing a petition on Facebook encouraging the community to speak up to protect the playground, wildlife, and the community’s safety.
“From our beloved bush tucker garden to the koalas that sometimes wander through, our grounds are an irreplaceable treasure”, the post reads.
“But this beautiful space is now under threat.
“A proposed new preschool centre, for 120 children aged 4-5 attending short days on a rotating schedule, would take away precious green space.
“This will leave less room for our students to play, explore, and connect with nature.”
The P&C Committee says child safety is its top priority, echoing residents’ concerns.
“The extra traffic from drop-offs and pick-ups will cause major congestion on Bangalay Drive, increasing risk to our children and creating frustration for local residents.”
Tacking Point Public School is one of 49 regional and rural public schools to receive funding for a co-located preschool.
It is the only one chosen in the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area (LGA).
It will feature three specially designed rooms along with a quality outdoor play area, administration area, staff kitchen, amenities and a dedicated carpark.
It will be staffed by qualified educators and teachers in line with national regulations and offer a high-quality play-based educational program.
The construction of the preschool is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2027 school year.
To have your say and to sign the petition visit www.change.org and search “Tacking Point Public School” or email schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au.
By Rikki WALLER
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