Mr Robert said that locals should not have to put up with ridiculous red-tape when it comes to the education of their children and urged anyone who supported education choice to sign the e-petition.

Mr Robert said the northern Gold Coast was the fastest growing area in Australia, and any unnecessary delays to infrastructure,including schools, was completely unacceptable.

“I firmly believe parents have a right to choose a school of their choice for their children.

“This problem can be resolved with the stroke of a pen by the State Government.  Premier Bligh saw the value of this school when she was education minister and gave approval for the school to go ahead.  It’s now up to her to live up to her previous commitment, cut through the bureaucratic red-tape and deliver for local parents and students.

Mr Robert questioned Anna Bligh’s motives in delaying the school, claiming that three schools had been approved in the immediate area since the release of the SEQ Regional Plan and that LORDS had been singled out.

“The real question is, what does the Premier have against private education?

“Three schools in this immediate area have been approved since the introduction of the South East Queensland Plan, all state-run,” he said.

Mr Robert saw the epetition as an important part of the democratic process.

 “Sometimes Governments will refuse to act unless there’s sufficient public pressure involved.  I urge everyone who’s interested in choice for parents, choice for students and planning for the future to get out to the site on Sunday and show the Government that the public demands a swift resolution to this ridiculous situation.”