By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Ranges Councillors voted unanimously to approve a lease for Lyrebird College at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on 26 February.
Founder of Lyrebird College Melissa Handbury said the school was hoping to have planning approval by June and to open in 2020.
“Our school is very excited to be a part of the educational precinct. And being next to the Primary School and the kinder gives a wrap-around service, not only to the children within the precinct but to the greater community,” Ms Handbury said.
As part of the approved council recommendation the 2500 square metre land at part 12 Kelso St, Coldstream will be leased for an initial five year term, with the option for another four year additional term.
The council set a 24 metre buffer between the school and neighbouring residents, revising the initial site of 4000 square metres.
At the meeting two Coldstream residents made objections to the recommendation and said the close proximity to their property would create noise and traffic problems.
“It’s really busy with parents driving through to the school,” said Anthony Wallace, whose house will share a fence with the school.
“The car park is quite small now with the kindergarten, the community and the primary school, to put additional cars and buses in there… It’s quite dangerous now.”
In a presentation to Council Ms Handbury swept aside the concerns of residents and said the high teacher to staff ratio would create a quieter school environment and that Lyrebird College would consider adjusting the hours of its operation to minimise the impact on current traffic conditions.
“Student numbers will start at 12 and expand to 24 in 2022,” Ms Handbury said.
Ms Handbury emphasised that the creation of a specialist school alongside Coldstream Primary School and the kinder would be the first of its kind for the Yarra Ranges and invite better quality teachers to the area.
Councillor Fiona McAllister voiced her support for the autism specialist school and spoke about its clear need within the community.
“The need is clear and I think we would be particularly proud to have a school that would support children with autism spectrum disorder… I am confident that there is strong community support,” she said.
