The community of fire devastated Yarloop fear the government is planning to close its primary school after a decision by the education department to keep its doors shut at the beginning of 2017.
Murray-Wellington MP Murray Cowper has called on education minister Peter Collier to overrule the decision.
“It was mine and the community’s expectation that the school was to reopen autonomously with a full complement of staff at the commencement of 2017 at the largely unscathed primary school at Yarloop,” he said.
“The primary objective of the government must be the restoration of normality to the young students who have been extraordinarily traumatised by the fires earlier this year.
“I find it mean-spirited that the education department’s deputy director David Axeworthy, without any community consultation, not so much as a phone call, has made this unpopular decision.”
Since bushfire destroyed the town in January, students have travelled 13 kilometres to makeshift classrooms in Harvey.
State recovery controller Ken Michael, who has been leading the town’s recovery efforts, made a number of priority recommendations about rebuilding Yarloop after it was determined safe and habitable, including the reopening of the school.
A protest by Yarloop parents and residents was planned for Friday morning.
The education minister has been contacted for comment.