The Petition of the citizens of New South Wales respectfully brings to the attention of the House their concerns over the lack of schools to meet the needs of the growing student population of Maitland. Siblings are being forced to attend separate schools as a result of the lack of available places.

High schools within the region are at maximum capacity and children from feeder primary schools are being denied enrolment or opportunities to submit out of zone enrolment applications.

Maitland is the fastest growing city outside of Sydney in New South Wales with over 15% growth at the last census. An average of 5 people a day move to Maitland. The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Assembly to ensure provision of a new public high school and primary school in Maitland with capacity to meet the current and growing demand within the region.