News

Education | August 03, 2018

Kealy fighting for a brighter future for Warracknabeal students

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh have launched a petition calling on the Andrews Labor Government to commit the funds needed to finish the Warracknabeal Education Precinct.

The former Liberal Nationals Government provided funding to commence planning for the project in 2014, followed by an $8 million pre-election commitment to bring these plans to fruition.

But the Andrews Labor Government has provided only a fraction of the funding required to complete the project, leaving the plan to consolidate the Warracknabeal Special Development School, Secondary College and Primary School in limbo.

The schools now face the impossible decision of continuing to work over split campuses or just staying put and leaving brand new school buildings empty until the funding required to complete the project is received.

Mr Walsh and Ms Kealy visited Warracknabeal Primary School this week to discuss the half-completed state of the Warracknabeal Education Precinct and the urgent need for funding to complete the project. 

“The Liberal Nationals believe all young people deserve the very best educational services and opportunities whether they live in the city or the country,” Ms Kealy said.

“There is no doubt quality educational facilities help attract new families to regional centres, ensuring these communities continue to grow and prosper.

“This petition will send a clear message to Daniel Andrews that all young people are entitled to a quality education and the residents of Lowan will accept nothing less”.

Mr Walsh said while the Premier for Melbourne still hasn’t got a plan to manage Victoria’s growing population, The Nationals were focused on speaking to Regional Victorians about the projects they want to see in their community.

“There’s clear community support for the new education precinct in Warracknabeal and a drive to provide the very best start in life for our local kids,” Mr Walsh said.

“The Nationals have a vision to decentralise our state, so all of Victoria shares in the benefits of our state’s population growth – not just Melbourne.

“Our plan to grow Regional Victoria includes investing in projects that will make a real difference in our regional communities by supporting good, secure local jobs and boosting our regional economies.”

Petition forms are available at a number of Warracknabeal businesses, Emma Kealy’s electoral office at 114 Firebrace Street, Horsham or by calling Ms Kealy’s office on 5382 0097.