Joining with council’s general manager Waid Crockett and the school’s relieving principal Ian Ralston, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said council would collect $25,000 from the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) to install shade structures at the school to alleviate the impacts of the flying fox camp at the premises.

“The NSW Government funding will be matched by a $12,500 contribution from council and a $12,500 contribution from Murrurundi Public School, which comes to a total of $50,000 for the project,” he said.

Mr Crockett welcomed the announcement.

“Council is committed to reducing the impact of the flying fox camp on the residents of Murrurundi wherever possible,” he said.

“The camp is directly impacting Murrurundi Public School, so we are pleased the OEH and LGNSW is providing assistance to council and the school to alleviate this impact.

“The shade sails will go a long way to protecting the safety of our school children which has been a primary concern for residents and council.”

Mr Ralston noted Mr Johnsen’s announcement was a win for his school and Murrurundi community. 

“Murrurundi Public School and the residents are delighted with the news to fund a covered area at the school,” he said.

“It will provide a valuable sheltered assembly and play area for all students.”

Mr Johnsen said the Murrurundi flying fox survey was still open.

Council is encouraging all residents to complete the survey online via the website or at http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/your-council/media/news/public-information-session-on-flying-foxes.aspx

“While this funding announcement addresses some of the community’s immediate concerns, I would strongly encourage members of our local Murrurundi community to complete the flying fox survey if they haven’t already, which can be done online, or at any council office,” Mr Johnsen said.