Education and policing are Brimbank’s winners in the state budget.
Essendon Keilor College will get $10 million to rebuild and repair its three campuses at Keilor East, Niddrie and Essendon.
Earlier this year, Education Minister James Merlino called conditions at the school “disgusting”, reinforcing a commitment to rebuild it as soon as possible.
Principal David Adamson said he was ecstatic about the funding for the 900-student school.
“We’re hoping to start building works at the beginning of next year.”
Mr Adamson said the Niddrie junior campus was in the “worst state” and would be rebuilt with new classrooms, specialist and administration areas, while the Keilor East campus would get new science rooms and Essendon senior campus a performing arts space.
“We’d hope to get a new canteen if the money stretches that far and, hopefully, work on some further maintenance issues,” Mr Adamson said.
The state budget will also recruit 400 custody officers to guard prisoners at 20 police stations, including Sunshine. The roll-out of custody officers will begin later this year, with Police Minister Wade Noonan saying it was time to take cops off “babysitting” duties.
“It’s a waste of time, skills and resources,” Mr Noonan said.
A further $4.5 million will help police track down and close clandestine drug labs more quickly. These funds will go towards hiring more scientists for the forensic drug branch.
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