BALLARAT schools will receive a state government cash injection of nearly $30 million in next month’s budget.
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Premier Daniel Andrews was in Ballarat on Friday to announce the package which includes $17.1 million for the construction of a primary school at Lucas.
The government confirmed it had purchased four-hectares of land next to Siena College and will begin the tendering processes in the coming weeks, with construction on the new school to start early next year and be ready for students by term one 2020.
Friday’s pledge also includes $4.5 million to expand Miners Rest Primary School; $4 million to upgrade Ballarat High School, including upgrading its technology wing; $3 million to complete stage two of Mount Clear College’s upgrade, including building a central technical hub and more learning spaces; and $4 million for Stawell Secondary College.
It is part of a nearly $181 million plan to build or upgrade 60 regional schools across the state.
Mr Andrews, who spoke at Mount Clear College and visited the Lucas site on Friday, said this was not an election year promise, rather it was “real money” that would be made available come July 1.
“This is a win-win for everybody,” Mr Andrews said.
“We’re building and upgrading schools so no matter where you live in Victoria, you have a great local school.”
Education Minister James Merlino said the new Lucas Primary Shcool would be capable of having up to 475 pupils.
Miners Rest Primary School Principal Dale Power said the funds would “future proof” the school.
The guaranteed funding comes weeks after a Liberal Party promise to fund up to $15 million for the building of a new school.
“There’s been growth for a number of years now and it’s really important for our community, as we are one of the few businesses in town, that we are a very central point for young families,” Mr Power said.
Mount Clear College Principal Lynita Taylor said the school was delighted with the funding.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and resources trying to work on the cosmetics of the school but what we really needed was significant funding so we can create a flexible learning centre for all our students.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for us to be creative to set-up some buildings that will match the incredible programs we have at our college.”