The much needed upgrade for Portarlington Primary School is finally on track, after years of Coalition neglect, thanks to a concerted community campaign.
Visiting Portarlington Primary School with the Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, the Education Minister James Merlino said the former Labor Government committed to rebuilding the school in 2010 but the Coalition failed to honour the commitment, leaving kids to learn in second-rate classrooms for the past four years.
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 the much needed upgrade in last year’s budget.
As a result of the campaign to secure funding for Portarlington Primary School, progress is already being made on the rebuild with plans and design options now available.
The redevelopment will also drive economic growth and create jobs in the region, with local companies given priority to work on the project.
The Labor Government is getting on with the job of repairing our education system, with planning already underway on all schools 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.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, James Merlino
“The Portarlington Primary School upgrade is a testament to the years of hard work by the local community and Lisa Neville to secure this funding.”
“The school is finally back on track after years of Coalition neglect.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to fix local schools so kids get the best start.”
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 our pledge to upgrade Portarlington Primary School – it’s great to see the school making progress under a Labor Government.”
“This hard-fought upgrade will ensure local kids finally get the world-class facilities they deserve.”
“By rebuilding Portarlington Primary School we’re supporting local families and local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020