News

Education | April 05, 2017

Kealy - More education funding needed

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is again calling on the Andrews Labor Government to allocate infrastructure funding to local schools in the lead up to the next State Budget.

“It is very disappointing that Labor continues to turn a blind eye to the urgent need for significant infrastructure funding for public schools in our local area,” Ms Kealy said.

"I have actively lobbied for funding desperately needed for Hamilton’s Baimbridge College, Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and the Warracknabeal Education Precinct. 

“The National-Liberal Coalition made pre-election commitments to local public schools totalling $11.2 million and it is disappointing that Labor has not matched these commitments.

“I’ve raised the need for the Minister for Education to urgently fund all school building projects that the Nationals-Liberal Government had prioritised for redevelopment,” she said.

The Andrews Labor Government has critically underfunded the Warracknabeal community’s clear plan for a new education precinct, bringing together the Special Development School, Primary School and Secondary School.

“An allocated $2 million is only a fraction of the funding required to relocate the Warracknabeal Secondary College and make the required upgrades to the Primary School site,” Ms Kealy said.

“All young people deserve quality learning environments, whether they live in the city or the country. It is important all our students and teachers are supported with first-class facilities.

“Maintaining quality educational facilities will help to attract new families to the region, and support our country communities to grow and prosper.

“If the Labor Government is serious about building Victoria as the Education State then they must provide vital infrastructure funding to support our local schools in country Victoria” she said.