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Our Supporters
Click on the names of some of our distinguished and expert supporters to read their endorsements to save Hurlstone. You can join the thousands of petitioners and grass roots supporters. Sign the petition, register, join and/or make a comment. About SHEAP SHEAP Inc (Save Hurlstone's Educational Agriculture Property) is a not for profit, non partisan community group of friends, alumni and supporters that was formed to fight the proposed sale of the Hursltone Farm land. It has a representative on the School P and C and in turn that person is a member of the SHEAP committee, so we can mount a united fight to save this valuble public education resource, vital practical ag facility and much needed local green space. Background to the formation of SHEAP and the sale proposalAs part of the NSW Government's November 2008 Mini-Budget, The NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) has announced its intention to sell the Hurlstone Farm. The purpose of the sale is to raise revenue for the recent mini-budget (see page 5-6 of the mini-budget document under Asset Divestments). The DET has confirmed that the "surplus land" mentioned in the mini-budget refers to Seaforth TAFE and Hurlstone farm. Of the current 160ha school property, 140ha has been designated as "surplus to future educational purposes" and is to be sold. This is basically the entire farm. It initially seemed likely that the area to be sold would include the Memorial Forest, though, after community outrage, this has now been denied and undertakings to preserve the Memorial Forest have been promised. Similarly, after it was pointed out that the three 'top schools' for children with disability and behavioural problems, including Glenfield Park School, were part of the 140 ha earmarked for sale, the government has been forced to undertake to preserve those sites as well. In response to the decision to sell off the Hurlstone Farm, an association has been formed to fight this proposal, known affectionately as S.H.E.A.P. (Save Hurlstone's Educational Agricultural Property) Under pressure, the Minister for Education has announced an 'independent' inquiry before the sale proceeds. SHEAP has asked to be consulted on the Terms of Reference and has recommended an independent panel comprising agriculture, education, isolated children's and community representation. SHEAP cautiously welcomes the backflip but remains concerned that it might be a political process to try to protect politicians rather than protect the farm. While the Government suggests that the proceeds of the sale are intended to support other school needs - in essence pitting one school against another - the Director-General has admitted in committee hearings that much of the money is intended for Department administration and Consolidated Revenue. Since the announcement, the  Federal Government has anounced $14 billion in funds to provide capital works for schools. Top Hurlstone Farm Facts - what DET doesn't want Ministers to knowWhile the Government claims the land is surplus’, the facts prove otherwise: Top Back to Background
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