MUSWELLBROOK High is one of the most neglected schools in the state, according to Country Labor candidate for the Upper Hunter Melanie Dagg.
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NSW Department of Education documents reveal Muswellbrook High, along with Singleton High and Scone High, were suffering from peeling paint, broken windows and leaky roofs, among other backlogged repair work.
Muswellbrook High is the worst affected, having witnessed its maintenance backlog nearly quadruple in just one year.
In 2016-17, it was $335,283.
The latest total, as at June 30, 2018, stands at $1.22 million.
Shadow treasurer Ryan Park and shadow minister for the Hunter Kate Washington joined Mrs Dagg in the region this week to disclose the new figures.
Singleton High School has seen its maintenance backlog more than triple in one year, too.
In 2016-17, it was $329,241.
It’s now $1.12 million.
A similar story occurred at Scone High, which rose from $592, 102 to $795,192.92.
The revelation comes a week after the Berejiklian government claimed it could be trusted to fix the school maintenance backlog that has ballooned 335 per cent under the past eight years of the current administration.
Mrs Dagg, who is a mother of two and has lived in the Hunter her entire life, called for the Sydney stadiums plan to be abandoned.
“It’s a sign the Liberals and Nationals are out of touch with this area,” she said.
“The maintenance backlog problem is clear evidence the government is focused on vanity projects in Sydney.
“They recently confirmed that they’ll try to knock down the first Sydney stadium this week.
“I’m passionate about education, health and securing better local services for the Hunter community.
“This is what Labor will deliver.”
NSW Opposition Leader Michael Daley has committed to eliminate the schools maintenance backlog, with his government choosing not to splurge $2.2 billion to knock down and rebuild Sydney stadiums.