The principal concern raised at the March meeting, was that Mt Carmel College Ltd as a private enterprise would negatively affect the Murrumbateman Primary School Working Group, which is calling for a publicly-funded primary school. 

Chair of Mt Carmel College Ltd Paul De Szell spoke at the open forum, asking council to support the proposal. 

“It’s been an exhaustive process of finding the best site for this project, but all roads ended up at Murrumbateman, it’s a community that wants a school, the land there is excellent and the community is even better,” he said. 

Mr De Szell said the story started for them in October last year, when they were denied access to the Mount Carmel school buildings. 

“We had two options, pack up our bags and go home, or come up with a grandiose vision and build a new school.”

He explained that all the processes are ‘in motion’ to have a K-12 independent ecumenical school complete by January, 2018.

Councillor David Needham supported the request, explaining that there was enough land available to provide for more than one school. 

“Soon we won't be able to cater for the demand and there proves to be enough space for a public and an independent school,” Cr Needham said.

“The land it's flat, it's close to services, the site is the perfect site for the school.”

Councillor Geoff Frost questioned why the the council should allow access be given to a private enterprise, as the land was marked out for the community. He explained it wasn’t fair given the work they have done to engage with the Murrumbateman community, and asked council to look favourably upon a joint proposition. 

"It changes the balance of power; instead of a school for Murrumbateman it will become a school for Mt Carmel Ltd,” he said. 

“They [the Murrumbateman community] are the ones that have put the hard work in, for the sake of a month or six weeks. We are putting them aside and putting Mt Carmel through first, not the community. 

“We would be taking advantage of a whole lot of solid community work that has happened in the community, and that's not fair.”

Director of Planning and Environmental Services, Chris Berry, said the request was “fully integrated” and a “very exciting proposal”. 

“If the area grows to its full potential then we will need multiple schools in multiple areas,” he said. 

“The suggestion tonight was 10 hectares … the area around the recreation grounds is 30 hectares.”

A letter from president of the Murrumbateman Primary School Working Group Mike Reid revealed he was concerned about the move to secure a relationship with an independent company. 

Councillor Jasmin Jones also voiced her opposition, stating that the community deserves a chance to have a conversation.

“For Murrumbateman to grow it will need primary schools and high schools. So what seems like a lot of land may not be enough land. Can this land support two schools?” Cr Jones asked. 

Councillor Michael McManus principally supported access to the land, provided the proponent advance the project significantly within the five year time frame. He also suggested the proposed land be moved closer to Murrumbateman. 

Councillors Butler, Frost and Jones voted against the motion, while councillor Daniel declared an interest as a board member of Mount Carmel College Ltd.