By Casey Neill
Yarra Ranges Council is urging residents to share their thoughts on plans for an autism school in Coldstream.
At their Tuesday 18 December meeting, councillors agreed to seek public feedback on the proposal for land on Kelso Street within Fairway Park, near the preschool.
Lyrebird College is asking to lease about 4000 square metres of clear grassland for five years, with a potential four-year second term, to establish a school for children with an autism spectrum disorder.
Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister encouraged residents to share their thoughts about the potential lease before submissions closed on Tuesday 22 January.
“We want to know what the community thinks before we move ahead,” she said.
“This is a particularly difficult time of the year for community engagement, with many people on holidays or taking some time off, and we know the park in Coldstream is a well-loved area.”
The council will use submissions and feedback to form its final recommendation to approve or deny the lease at its meeting on 12 February.
If councillors approved the lease, Lyrebird College would need to submit a planning application for any proposed works to take place on the site.
This would go through its own notification and consultation period.
The Mail flagged the proposal late last year.
A council report said the college would add to the area’s status as an educational precinct, and produce positive community outcomes.
Lyrebird College spokeswoman Melissa Handbury said the school would cater for children from Prep to Year 10.
“If all goes to plan, Lyrebird College will open in January 2020 with an initial enrolment of 12 students in two classes,” she said.
She said leasing the vacant council land would re-energise the precinct and provide an opportunity to share resources and expertise.
“We see ourselves forming a strong connection with the whole Coldstream community,” she said.
Ms Handbury said there were very few options available for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders outside of the public sector.
“In general, there are limited schools in Victoria specialising in the care and education of children with an autism spectrum disorder,” she said.
She said Lyrebird College would provide a quality, tailored and outcome-focused education option in a fun and safe setting.
“Our classes will have a high staff to student ratio with each student receiving 1:1 learning time as necessary to enhance their learning and to assist in achieving their goals,” she said.
To read more and make a submission, visit www.yrc.vic.gov.au/kelsostlease.
