When we formed SHOSAG in September 1999, we had no idea we would still be "on the case" over twelve months later.

This long campaign may soon be coming to an end. Parliament will debate the amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme containing the rezoning of the high school land from Crown Reserve (Public Purposes – High School) to Urban, sometime in the next couple of weeks.

We don’t know why it has taken so long. Someone suggested the State Government was trying to wear us down (and out!), but we have shown that the community has "staying power" and we are in this for the long haul. We owe it to future generations not to give up.

Colin, one of our hard working members keeps our morale up by reminding us to "never, never give up", and he is a wonderful example of tenacity and determination.

When SHOSAG first met, the Scarborough Senior High School was still educating our children, although the pending closure had forced most families to find alternative schools. There was a still a remote chance we could save the school buildings. We put forward many creative and economically sound ideas for future use of these perfectly good and structurally sound classrooms and facilities.

And there was, of course, the Minister for Education’s promise that the school gymnasium/hall, swimming pool and surrounding public open space would be kept for community use.

The City of Stirling, led by the Mayor, were not keen on the cost of maintaining the facilities, and it did not take long for the local Member of Parliament, George Strickland, the Mayor of the City of Stirling and the Minister for Education, Colin Barnett to reneg on their commitment to the local community and agree amongst themselves to demolish the school gym/hall and swimming pool.

No public consultation! No explanation! Total disregard for the opinion and expectations of the local community.

Not only did the people of Scarborough, Innaloo, Doubleview and Karrinyup lose their local high school but they were then told that the land on which the school stood was to be sold off for housing!

We have gone from strength to strength and now have a large group of local people who have energetically contributed to our campaign to save the school land.

We know that in a democracy we can have a say in the future of our local community. If our elected representatives ignore us, we can vote them out of office. If we make a loud enough noise, they can’t ignore us.

The amendment to the MRS which includes the rezoning of the Scarborough High School site was introduced to Parliament on 10 October 2000.

On 11 October 2000 Alannah MacTiernan the Shadow Minister for Planning (ALP) introduced a Disallowance Motion which, if supported by the minor parties in the Legislative Council, will see the Government’s plans to sell off the SHS land crumble.

We have received assurances from the Greens, the Australian Democrats and the two Independents, Mark Nevill and Tom Helm that they will support our efforts to stop the rezoning, and to have widespread and REAL public consultation before any decision is made about the future of the land.

This is a victory for grass roots democracy! The State Government thought they could divide the community and, by attrition, win the day with their plans to sell the land for 151 houses. They were wrong! The community has spoken and some Members of Parliament who have principles have listened! We are particularly appreciative of the support we have received from Ed Dermer Labor MLC who vigorously opposed the closure of the high school and has supported our campaign from day one. Giz Watson Greens MLC has also been extremely encouraging and supportive.

When the Parliament rejects the rezoning, it will be up to the State Government to respond to the voice of the people and begin REAL consultation. And not just with the groups they have attempted to buy off.

Last Sunday at an information stall at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre Swap Meet we collected a further 582 signatures on a petition calling on the Legislative Council to support the Opposition’s Disallowance Motion. Once again we were overwhelmed by the support we received from people from all over the metropolitan area.

A group of parents at Newborough Primary School have expressed their concern about the Parents and Citizens Assoc throwing their support behind the State Government’s proposal to sell the Scarborough High School site without consulting with the wider school community.

The P & C made a decision to support the land sell-off in order to obtain new playground equipment and, acting very politically, put out a media release to that effect.

Many parents at the school are worried about the increase in traffic that would pass by the school daily from an additional 151 houses built next to the school. They are also concerned about the loss of open space and community facilities if the land is sold. This group has written to Members of Parliament informing them that the P & C acted undemocratically when it made a decision to support the Government.

The Labor Party candidate for Innaloo, John Quigley has promised Newborough Primary School that a Labor Government would "immediately and unconditionally" provide the funds for the playground equipment.

Have you noticed our new sign? It is displayed on the school fence in Jackson Ave opposite Miles Street.

2001 is the Centenary of Federation. We believe a Centennial Park would be a fitting recognition of the contribution to the nation made by families living in our suburbs, and by the former students of Scarborough High School over the past 40 years. Using the land creatively for community purposes will have an immediate and positive effect for local children, youth, families and the growing number of elderly people looking for passive recreation opportunities.

Contacts: Robyn Murphy 9246 3954, Colin Douglas 9446 3176, Christine Sansom 9341 7222, Stephanie Proud 9446 6929.