Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green have turned the first sod on one of the new school building projects that will provide the outstanding education and opportunities that local kids need to be their best.
Getting building underway at Mernda Central Prep-Year 12, Mr Merlino announced that each of the new schools will also function as a community hub, opening up access to a range of facilities for local families.
The project will provide gyms, swimming pools, meeting spaces, adult learning spaces, and childcare facilities alongside world-class school facilities.
All new and refurbished schools will provide facilities to accommodate students with disabilities and additional needs. This is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Special Needs Plan which supports the Education State commitment to give all students an equal right to the knowledge and skills to shape their lives.
The 15 new schools will also boast the latest in environmentally sustainable design, and the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies will run community and environmental programs at each school.
Delivered through a $291 million Public Private Partnership, the new schools will be financed, designed, built and maintained by Learning Communities Victoria for 25 years.
The 15 new schools - built in some of the State’s fastest growing areas - are:
- Mernda Central Prep-Year 6
- Mernda Central Years 7-12
- Mernda South Primary School
- Epping North Primary School
- Pakenham South West Primary School
- Heather Grove Primary School
- Cranbourne South West Primary School
- Casey Central East Primary School
- Point Cook South Prep-Year 9
- North Geelong Special Developmental School
- Bannockburn Prep-Year 6
- Bannockburn Years 7-12
- Armstrong Creek Education Precinct – including Armstrong Creek Special School and Armstrong Creek Primary School
- Torquay North Primary School
The Labor Government’s 2015-16 State Budget is the biggest education budget on record, delivering close to $4 billion over four years, including a record $730 million investment that will ensure every community has access to a great local school, and every child gets the chance to succeed.
The Education State is about taking our education system from good to great by fixing our schools, early learning facilities and skills centres, and building the right infrastructure to support our kids to thrive.
Solid, safe and efficient infrastructure is the foundation of our education system, supporting teachers, principals, students, parents and carers to work in the best environments possible.
The Government’s Budget also provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.
It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino
“These 15 new schools will give kids in some of our fastest growing communities the outstanding education and opportunities they need to be their best in life.”
“In line with Andrews Labor Government’s Special Needs Plan, the design of the schools will support inclusion and maximise opportunities for students with a disability.”
“We’re also investing what’s needed to make these schools genuine community hubs. They will provide brand new facilities for families and individuals, such as gyms and swimming pools.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green
“It is great news for the Mernda community that the much needed Mernda Central P-12 school is being fast-tracked by the Andrews Labor Government. For too long the Breadalbane Ave site was left vacant and it is a wonderful day for Mernda and the local community, who worked so hard to make this happen.”
“The new Mernda P-12 school will be a central part of our growing community and provide an excellent school closer to home for many Mernda families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020