‘Middle of nowhere’: fears private primary school would overwhelm farming hamlet

A small farming community near Geelong faces potential disruption after a private school applied for permission to build a new primary campus that could bring over 300 additional students to the area. The proposed expansion of Bacchus Marsh Grammar School at its Staughton Vale campus has sparked concerns among residents, who say the move could overwhelm the rural hamlet of around 100 people. The school currently operates at the site with 150 students engaged in agriculture, outdoor education, and environmental studies, but its application seeks to significantly increase the student population. The Staughton Vale campus, located approximately 40 minutes from Geelong, is one of three locations where Bacchus Marsh Grammar operates, with the other two campuses situated in Maddingley, Bacchus Marsh, and Woodlea, Melton. Together, the schools serve nearly 3,800 students. According to the school's application submitted to the state government's planning department, the expansion aims to create a primary to Year 8 campus, maintaining the existing 150 students while adding 300 new primary students. This would bring the total student count at the site to 450, far exceeding the size of the surrounding community. Residents expressed confusion and concern over the proposal. Kristy Vasils, a member of the Staughton Vale and Anakie Action Group, said she learned of the plan through other community members and questioned why a school would be built in such a remote location. She highlighted fears about increased traffic, particularly during peak hours, which could exacerbate congestion on local roads. Vasils, who resides in Anakie, 12 kilometers from the site, noted that the community supports the current educational programs offered at the campus but opposes the proposed expansion due to its scale. Debra Ogston, principal of Bacchus Marsh Grammar, stated that the school had adhered to standard planning procedures and emphasized the benefits of the existing programs at Staughton Vale. She argued that the proposed development would enhance educational opportunities for students in Melbourne’s western suburbs. However, some local residents remain skeptical. Michael Dragt, who lives adjacent to the campus, voiced concerns about the long-term implications of the project. He suggested that the approval could signal further expansion plans by the school, potentially altering the character of the area. Dragt pointed out that the region is designated for agricultural use and has a sparse population density of four people per kilometer. He warned that the influx of students might disrupt the local ecosystem and farming practices. Additionally, he raised safety concerns regarding emergency evacuation routes in case of a bushfire, emphasizing the lack of immediate resources in such a remote setting. Ecologist Mark Trengove, another resident, echoed similar worries about the environmental impact of the proposed development. The debate over the expansion highlights the tension between educational expansion and preserving the rural character of the area. While the school argues that the project offers valuable educational opportunities, opponents stress the need to respect zoning laws and protect the local environment. As the planning authority reviews the application, the outcome will determine whether the community’s concerns are addressed or if the school’s vision for growth proceeds.