Precinct commitment
The Victorian Coalition has promised to invest $6.6-million to progress a Warracknabeal Education Precinct project if it wins next month’s state election.
The Liberal-nationals have been highly critical of the Labor government’s approach to the project, which is designed to consolidate educational services in the north Wimmera town at one site.
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, who in State Parliament last month tabled a community petition to complete the project, announced the commitment at Warracknabeal Primary School yesterday.
She said Warracknabeal students could look forward to a brighter future under a Liberal-nationals government.
Ms Kealy emphasised a consistent message she has taken to parliament that government funding management for the project had ‘left the schools with the impossible decision of working over split campuses or just staying put and leaving new school buildings empty’.
“Labor has left the Warracknabeal school community up in arms and confused by only funding a third of Warracknabeal Special Development School and half of a Warracknabeal Secondary College build,” she said.
“It’s a confusing mess and the school community and Warracknabeal district have rightfully not accepted Labor’s unrealistic staging of this critically important project. They have shown their overwhelming support through a petition to fix this mess of halfbuilt schools.
“With the special development school due to move into the half-done campus next year, it is vital that we get facilities up to scratch for these students as soon as possible.
“That’s what the $6.6-million is for – to keep the project moving, to re-locate the special school and to then work out the best way to complete the next stages.”
Planning for the precinct, which includes a rebuild of Warracknabeal primary, secondary and special development schools at the Werrigar Street primary school site, started several years ago.
The funded first stage of the three-stage project has involved construction of an east wing of the special development school, the north wing of an administration area and west wing of the secondary college.
But a second stage of the project, estimated to cost between $11-million and $15-million, missed out on funding in the 2018-19 State Government budget.
Yarriambiack Shire Council, in listing advocacy priorities in the lead-up to the state election, has placed completion of the second stage at the top of the table.
“The trouble is that Labor hasn’t really followed any sort of plan,” Ms Kealy said.
“I am proud to make this announcement for Warracknabeal – that the Liberal-nationals will fix this mess.
“Completing the remaining special school buildings will be our first priority.
“We just need to get the project back on track and get it done.”