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Education | March 10, 2020

Warracknabeal education announcement looks imminent

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy MP believes Warracknabeal is on the cusp of a major education funding announcement.

The Warracknabeal Education Precinct project has been in development for more than 15 years, and will see Warracknabeal Secondary College, Warracknabeal Primary School and Warracknabeal Special Development School located at one site.

The first stage of the project was funded in the 2016-17 state budget. However Ms Kealy said future budgets had failed to commit funding for the second and third stages of the project, effectively forcing it to a standstill.

Ms Kealy – along with members of the Finish What You Started action group, Yarriambiack Shire Council and community representatives – has campaigned tirelessly to the Andrews Labor Government for more than five years to fully fund the project. She said these efforts were finally recognised in February, when community representatives were granted a meeting with Education Minister James Merlino.

“The Education Minister drove through Warracknabeal only a few months ago, but neglected to announce any funding for the education precinct or tell local families why Labor abandoned this critical project, so it was about time he explained himself,” Ms Kealy said.

“I have made countless representations to the minister, advocated for the education precinct in Parliament at every opportunity, ran a local petition calling on the government to invest in the project, and repeatedly invited the minister to visit Warracknabeal to see first-hand how the government’s cruel decision to withhold funding had left local students with unusable classrooms and fewer educational programs.

“Like everyone involved in this crucial project, I sincerely hope the Minister’s decision to meet with advocates signifies that the government is finally ready to fully commit to the Warracknabeal Education Precinct, and ensure it is fully funded in this year’s state budget.

“I congratulate the Warracknabeal community and particularly those at the forefront of the Finish What You Started campaign for continuing to advocate for this vital project, and I hope the Education Minister is ready to give them the respect and result they deserve.”