NEW SCHOOLS FOR POINT COOK ON THE WAY

Students in Altona District will soon have a new school, with the Andrews Labor Government providing funds to purchase land for a new Sanctuary Lakes South P-9 school, as part of the Victorian Budget 2016-17.

This new school commitment will provide relief to families in the growing areas of Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast, as Point Cook continues to attract families to Melbourne’s west.

Additionally, the Labor Government has now identified a site for a new senior secondary school in Point Cook and has begun negotiating the purchase of this site. This is contrast to the former Liberal Government who completely failed to plan for the local community’s needs.

The new Point Cook South P-9 school will also open next year, providing immediate relief to the growth pressures being experienced in Point Cook. Its inaugural principal Kerry Clayton has been appointed and will be responsible for starting school establishment processes, with a community information session to be held in the first half of 2016

The Budget provides the investment needed to acquire land and build another 23 new schools. This means that despite 4 years of under investment from the former Liberal Government, the Labor Government is now rolling out 42 new schools across the state.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 includes:

• $185 million to plan, build or complete 12 new schools
• $102 million to buy land for at least 11 new school sites and additions at several other schools

Victoria is experiencing unprecedented population growth, with an expected increase of 300,000 new students by 2031, making new schools a vital investment.

The Victorian School Building Authority will be established to deliver this construction boom that will not just benefit students, but also create jobs for construction workers and local tradies.

Quotes attributable to Member for Altona Jill Hennessy

 “Point Cook is growing, and families in Sanctuary Lakes and Saltwater Coast need accessible, quality education options. I’m thrilled that the Andrews Labor Government is delivering for our community.”

 “The new Point Cook South P-9 school will open next year relieving some of the pressure, but more needs to be done. Another senior secondary school and a new Sanctuary Lakes South P-9 will help meet the needs of local families.”