Minister for Education, James Merlino, today toured schools in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula set to be rebuilt under the Andrews Labor Government.
Mr Merlino joined the Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, at Portarlington Primary School, where progress is already being made on a rebuild, with plans and design options now available.
After a campaign organised by local Labor MP Lisa Neville and members of the local community, the previous Coalition Government finally succumbed to pressure and agreed to fund Portarlington Primary’s much-needed upgrade in last year’s budget.
Mr Merlino also visited Whittington Primary School with the Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, to reaffirm the Labor Government’s $5 million commitment to redevelop the school.
The Labor Government is getting on with the job of repairing our education system. Planning is already underway for school upgrades across the state.
The former Coalition Government ripped $1 billion from our education system and halved the amount spent on fixing and upgrading our schools.
Our $530 million plan to rebuild schools across the state is the first step to fixing the system and ensuring local schools, teachers, families and students get the support and quality education they deserve.
The Portarlington and Whittington Primary School upgrades will also drive economic growth and create jobs in the region, with local companies given priority to work on the projects.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, James Merlino
“The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to fix local schools so kids get the best start.”
“Planning is already underway for school upgrades across the state.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Environment and Water and Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville
“The former Coalition Government were dragged kicking and screaming to match Labor’s pledge to upgrade Portarlington Primary School – it’s great to see the school making progress with this redevelopment.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens
“By rebuilding Whittington Primary School we’re supporting local families and local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020