Since the closure of Bellfield, Haig Street and Banksia College school sites in 2011 getting access to public education has become harder for children who live in Bellfield and Heidelberg in Melbourne.  

Access to local public schools should be a basic right for all children.   Local primary schools in the Banyule area are full to overflowing already.  

Additionally, since the closure of these schools in 2011, all three sites have been subject to vandalism and remain unused.  Such a waste of taxpayers' money watching public assets being destroyed in this way.

With the Gonski recommendations now a focus, children require accessible, local public schools, no matter what their socio-economic background or status.  It shouldn't be a car ride away - but in local communities - what happens if your family doesn't own a car or have means to travel? 

Getting access to public education via local public schools shouldn't be so hard!

It's vital to give local children access to public education in their local communities. Public education resources need to remain in local communities - and not be removed.