Two Footscray Learning Precinct campuses receive zero funding in 2018-19 State Budget

THERE are concerns about the level of funding being directed to the Footscray Learning Precinct after two campuses were overlooked in the 2018-19 State Budget.

THE projected launch date of the Footscray Learning Precinct could be in doubt after two campuses missed out on funding in the 2018-19 State Budget, a school council president says.

Footscray City College and Gilmore College, which are set to merge into one coeducational secondary school, did not receive any funding in last week’s Budget.

The Gilmore College campus has plans for the development of a three-storey building as part of the precinct, while Footscray City College requires relocation of their science laboratories — both of which will not be possible without funding.

Footscray City College council president Karen Ingram said the State Government’s failure to invest in the two campuses meant the vision for a “state-of-the art” precinct would not come to fruition by the proposed completion date of 2020.

“The plans are in place but no money has been allocated for these developments and upgrades,” Ms Ingram said.

“There will be no Footscray Learning Precinct at this rate.”

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According to precinct plans, a senior campus for Years 10 to 12 will be located at the existing site of Footscray City College on Kinnear St.

Two junior campuses for Years 7 to 9 will be positioned at the existing Gilmore College for Girls on Barkly St and at the new Seddon development on Pilgrim St.

The precinct’s Seddon campus was a winner in the Budget, receiving $29.2 million for its development.

Education Minister James Merlino did not specify when additional funding would be secured for Gilmore College or Footscray City College, but said funding for the precinct would be delivered in stages across future Budgets.

The chief executive of advocacy group LeadWest, Craig Rowley, also criticised the Budget’s underinvestment in the west, saying he was “disappointed” there was no funding for public transport and no full funding for the new Footscray Hospital.

“We hope that what is missing in the Budget will appear in election commitments ahead of the polls in November,” Mr Rowley said.

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