With all the dramas surrounding other councils voting for or against such schools in south-west Sydney, one couldn't help wondering if things could possibly become so inflamed as to get out of hand at Liverpool.

Based on what has happened so far, which has been vigorous opposition from some Hoxton Park residents but who have concentrated on planning issues such as flooding levels around the site, there were grounds for being optimistic that no matter what Liverpool Council decided it would not lead to any outrageous behaviour. From either side. And that's exactly what happened when council gave the proposal the green light.

Naturally, those residents opposed to the planned school were disappointed, even angry, that they had not prevailed this time around after presenting what they believed was a very good case against the school.

On the other side it was no surprise to see smiles and hugs from Liverpool residents who will no longer have to send their children to schools far from where they live.

Of course whatever council decided it would have disappointed one side. It was a difficult issue and while we won't know for a while if it was indeed the right decision, councillors from the mayor down should be praised for the way they have handled the issue from start to finish. They have been sensitive to the arguments of all sides and kept the emotion out of it.

I wouldn't have liked to be in their shoes, though, no matter what.

But both supporters and opponents should also be congratulated for their reaction to Monday night's decision.

Putting the actual decision to one side, isn't it wonderful that in this country we stay within the bounds of the law no matter how hurt, angry or disappointed we are with a government decision? There may yet be an appeal against the decision, but in the meantime let's try to remember how lucky we all are to live in Australia.