THERE will be an end to the construction work at Marist Catholic College at Penshurst, but probably not before 2017.
Speaking on behalf of some residents, Anushey Khan of Victoria Avenue said that people living near the school had lost patience with the endless building activity and the fact that they hadn't been kept informed about the school's expansion — a claim the school denies.
Ms Khan said there had been no consultation or notification of the school's building work or what effect the expected extra students would have on the neighbourhood.
"Why has there been no communication to date advising the residents regarding the construction itself," she said.
"How long will it continue? What disruptions can the neighbours expect?"
Ms Khan described days when both sides of the street were blocked, leaving limited safe passage for pedestrians; days when neighbours were unable to drive in and out of their homes because their driveways had been been dug up without notice; when there was no electricity due to the construction work; when builders started at 5.30am and worked on Sundays and public holidays.
"As neighbours and residents of the street, we have been more than patient and have put up with a lot over the last 15 months since construction began," she said.
"The constant deafening noise, dust and debris, possibly even asbestos, lack of parking on the street, footpaths and driveways being dug up on both sides of the street at the same time; not to mention the chaos on the street during school start and finish times.
"Yet throughout this ordeal we have not received any notification from the school, the assessor, the construction company, the council or the state government to inform us of this project, let alone give us an opportunity as residents of the street to review plans, to comment and/or agree or disagree with the changes."
Marist College principal John Finneran responded with a comprehensive timeline regarding community consultations starting in September, 2012 and including a number of open days, talks with architects and school principals, development applications submitted to Hurstville Council, community forums and stories in Fairfax and News Limited media.
The last open day, on March 11, was attended by 1500 people.
Mr Finneran said the work was being done under a complying development certificate under State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.
"WorkCover's most recent visit advised that the works are compliant in relation to safety."
