A LIBERAL State Government has committed to the development of a new Miners Rest Primary School in its first term.
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The project is expected to cost upwards of $15 million and will allow the school to expand to more than 400 pupils.
Three sites have been earmarked as possible development, including one adjacent to the current buildings, but will be subject to planning approvals.
Ripon MP Louise Staley said with Miners Rest “bursting at the seams” it was critical a site and plans were in place for a new school, but were still to be worked through.
“Miners Rest Primary School is at capacity, students and teachers should not be crammed into fatigued facilities in desperate need of replacement,” Ms Staley said.
The school is today operating with more than 300 pupils working out of just six permanent buildings and 13 portables.
School council spokeswoman Alyson McPhan said a bigger school had long been on the agenda.
“We have constantly seen our play space being diminished and our learning spaces being compromised,” Ms McPhan said.
“Our families have been very supportive of our commitment for trying to attain a bigger and better site. It will only have a positive effect on the children.”
Education Minister James Merlino said funding for the school would be determined in the budget process.
“Just last week, the Victorian School Building Authority talked to the school and met with local land owners regarding long term options to meet future student demand at Miners Rest Primary School,” Mr Merlino said.
Opposition Education Spokesman Tim Smith said the plan was part of an overall strategy to bring growth to regional areas.
“This goes to the heart of our agenda for regional Victoria,” Mr Smith said.
“We are all about decentralising VIctoria’s population and taking the pressure off Melbourne and growing regional Victoria.
“You can’t do that without key services like school infrastructure. This is an important area of Victoria.”