Negotiations are underway to secure land for a public primary school in Lucas, but state education minister James Merlino said there was still no timeline for delivering the much-needed school.
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Speaking while visiting Lucas’ first school, Siena Catholic Primary School, Mr Merlino confirmed negotiations were taking place and a new state school to tackle the burgeoning population in Ballarat’s west remained a government priority.
“In our budget we allocated funding to purchase the land and we are negotiating right now,” he said.
“As soon as the land is purchased it will be part of the budget position for capital works.”
Mr Merlino was in Ballarat yesterday to visit Siena Catholic Primary School, which opened this year and is expected to eventually grow to 350 students.
“I was here with these children as we turned the sod, and to come back and see the school in action it’s great for the community and a wonderful partnership between government and Catholic education.”
The $4.1 million first stage of the school includes two buildings housing a total of nine classrooms, offices and an art room.
Principal Jo Brewer gave Mr Merlino a tour of the school and detailed expansion plans, including a new building expected to arrive late July or early August.
There is growing urgency for a new state school in the suburb, with the closest public school to Lucas, Alfredton Primary School, reporting a 27 per cent increase in enrolments over the past seven years.
While in Ballarat, Mr Merlino also announced a $543,000 community technology hub to be co-located with the new Ballarat Tech School.
The Future Innovation Community Space will be a purpose-built workspace giving students and community members the opportunity to learn from experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The space will open next year with a prominent street presence on Albert St to encourage community interest.