Australian Democrats’ SA Leader Mike Elliott has called on the State Government to act now on the number of South Coast schools bursting at the seams from increasing enrolments.

Mr Elliott says local parents have expressed concern at the ability of existing primary and high schools in Victor Harbor and neighbouring towns to cope with their increasing student populations.

"With Census figures showing continued population growth on the Encounter Coast, the government must ensure our schools can cope," Mr Elliott says.

"Accumulated neglect over many years has seen local schools battling to deal with this growth.

"In schools such as Victor Harbor R-7 they have 800 students on a campus designed for 500 and expecting 950 students by 2003.

"They are struggling with one adult toilet for more than 50 female staff members. They also have an inadequate electricity supply, which is continually cutting out, impacting computer suites and the visiting dental van – sometimes in the middle of drilling teeth or making up fillings.

"While some money has been set aside for an administrative upgrade, it is questionable whether this will adequately address the present and future needs of the school."

Mr Elliott says Victor Harbor High School, despite some capital works last year, has a library at 50 percent capacity and a special education unit and administrative area in dire need of attention.

"With State Cabinet meeting in the South Coast next week, the government has an ideal opportunity to see firsthand the problems and start acting on a much needed upgrade of our important educational infrastructure here," he says.