The assistant minister responsible for TAFE has reaffirmed his staunch opposition to a proposed A-League stadium on the site of the Loftus campus.
Assistant Skills Minister Adam Marshall visited the site with Heathcote MP Lee Evans.
He dismissed Southern Expansion’s proposal to rebuild educational facilities, which also include a University of Wollongong campus and Cook School for students with behavioural problems, around a new stadium.
“As I have previously stated, there are no plans to sell or lease any part of the TAFE NSW Loftus Campus to accommodate a sports stadium or any other project,” Mr Marshall said in a statement.
“I told local staff that if any approach was made by the proponents of a stadium they would be told the TAFE NSW Loftus Campus is not for sale nor will any other arrangements be entered into.
“Having seen the fantastic facilities and met a number of teachers and students doing what they do best at the campus, I cannot support any proposal which would put this facility at risk.”
Mr Evans claimed Labor candidate for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart was “spreading fear and confusion in the community”.
In November, Ms Stuart was joined by Opposition spokesman on education Jihad Dib and spokeswoman on skills Prue Car in expressing fears the TAFE facilities could be lost or downgraded under the stadium proposal.
Mr Dib did not reject the proposal outright, saying, “Mr Dib said, “While there may be some merit in the Southern Expansion proposal, it should not be at the expense of educational facilities”.
Mr Evans said, “Maryanne Stuart needs to lobby her Labor mates on council and tell them to drop this stadium idea immediately”.
“I can assure everyone Loftus TAFE is a vital educational hub in our community and will remain so as long as I am the Member for Heathcote,” he said.
“Minister Marshall has witnessed the wonderful facilities available at Loftus TAFE and is committed to the campus playing an important role in shaping the future trades people in our community.
“This is a complete political stitch up from Labor designed to create fear in the community.
“I have never supported moving the TAFE campus and this position will not be changing.”