The lobbying efforts of two school communities in the west have finally been rewarded, with millions of dollars in state government funding allocated to build and rebuild campuses.
Essendon Keilor College (EKC) is getting $10 million for long-needed repairs and rebuilding work, while $6 million has been allocated to a new senior school in Taylors Hill West.
EKC was promised the money by the Labor Party in the lead-up to last year’s state election to rebuild and repair its three campuses in Keilor East, Niddrie and Essendon.
Labor MP for Niddrie Ben Carroll raised the matter in an adjournment debate on February11, resulting in confirmation of the funding.
Education Minister James Merlino called the condition of the school “disgusting” and emphasised the government’s commitment to rebuild it as soon as possible.
“[The three campuses] are not safe for teachers and they’re not good for students,” he said.
Principal David Adamson said he was ecstatic about funding for the 900-student school.
“The planning process will begin on March16 when we’ll develop a five-year plan and discuss what kind of facilities are needed,” he said.
“We’re hoping to start building works at the beginning of next year.”
Mr Merlino said the long-awaited Taylors Hill West senior school was part of an $87-million plan for land acquisitions and preliminary works for 11 new schools. “[I’m] working closely with the Education Department to identify and acquire the site,” he said.
Caroline Springs mother Sally Cefai said the news was fantastic. “At least the kids can concentrate on their early school years without having to think about where they’ll be going.” .
Keilor Labor MP Natalie Hutchins said several possible sites had been identified, including vacant land adjoining Gourlay and City Vista roads in Plumpton and land along the Melton Highway heading west from Taylors Hill.
Mr Adamson said the Niddrie junior campus was in the “worst state” and would be rebuilt with new classrooms, specialist and administration areas, and the Keilor East campus will have new science rooms.
The Essendon senior campus will have a new performing arts space built.
“We’d hope to get a new canteen if the money stretches that far, and hopefully work on some further maintainence issues,” he said.
