In recent times we have been provided with two reports by the NSW Government - one on the Barton Highway, the other on the proposed re-opening of the Murrumbateman Public School.

Interestingly, the reports do not always coincide. For example, in regard to the Murrumbateman and district population at the 2011 Census: the Barton Report shows 3297 people with 7.1 percent aged 0-14 (234 persons). The School Report shows only 2850 people.

Both reports claim to be using NSW Department of Planning and Environment Projections. However, it appears that the Education bureaucrats have chosen a shorter time frame and a smaller geographical area in order to understate the projected growth in the school age population of Murrumbateman and district. The School report makes no mention of issues raised in the Barton report including a predicted increase of 1300 new dwelling sites around Murrumbateman over the next 10 to 30 years. They state that they didn’t bother themselves with attempting an enrolment projection for a potential Murrumbateman public school and they confirm that they have no capital works planned for existing schools.

The two reports work against each other in many ways. The Barton report implying that the highway is essentially a local road which is adequate ‘for many years to come’. The School report suggesting that most of the parents in Murrumbateman drive to work in Canberra anyway (presumably using the Barton) and should be encouraged to take their children with them to use schools in the ACT. 

However, both reports share a common purpose – do nothing.

The message is clear – if you need a public service – drive to Canberra to get it from the ACT Government - but don’t expect a safe road or regular public transport to be provided by the NSW Government to get you there.