State Opposition pledges to fund masterplan for Ringwood’s Norwood College after another budget snub
THE State Opposition has pledged to fund a masterplan for a redevelopment of Ringwood’s Norwood Secondary College if it wins November’s state election.
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AGEING Norwood Secondary College has again been snubbed in the state budget to the dismay of a Liberal MP and community members.
But the Opposition has pledged $50,000 for a masterplan for a redevelopment if it wins November’s state election.
The Government promised $25 million to go towards upgrades at three other Maroondah high schools in yesterday’s 2018-19 budget.
Croydon’s Melba College received $13.7 million for a new science and technology building and a basketball stadium, while Heathmont and Ringwood colleges each received $5.5 million for various works.
However, the budget papers show not a cent will be spent on Ringwood’s upgrades in the next financial year, though it will be completed in 2020-21.
Norwood, which turns 60 this year, was again overlooked.
The school had a new gym jointly funded by the state and federal governments in 2016, but has not had any other upgrades since its library was built in the 1970s.
Ringwood state Liberal MP Dee Ryall said she was “totally disappointed for the teachers and students at the school” and announced the pledge for a masterplan for Norwood this morning.
“It is about time Norwood got its fair of share of funding and support,” she said.
“I expect Labor to do the right thing by the people of Norwood and get on with their masterplan.
“That is the fundamental basis for which the school can redevelop its learning space to meet 21st century requirements.”
Readers on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page also expressed their shock at Norwood being overlooked in the budget.
Di Baker said it was “absolutely ridiculous”, Joanne Kinnane said the school “always misses out”, and Carol Baker said the snub was “disgusting”.
Norwood and Education Minister James Merlino have both been contacted for comment.
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