Daniel Andrews promises new primary school for Craigieburn

TREASURER Michael O’Brien has slammed Labor’s pledge to build 11 new schools in Victoria.

Daniel Andrews making announcement on a new school in Mernda. With Danielle Green member for Yan Yean and Deputy Leader of the Labor Party Mr James Merlino, MP. Picture: Jason Edwards.

UPDATE 4.25: TREASURER Michael O’Brien has slammed Labor’s pledge to build 11 new schools in Victoria, including eight in growth areas, just hours after the Opposition’s announcement.

Michael O’Brien said the announcement, which included $50.5 million for the eight outer suburban schools, was “grossly underfunded”.

“What does Labor think they will be able to deliver by allocating only $6 million for each school?” Mr O’Brien said.

He said the Napthine Government had announced a $223 million package this year for 13 new schools, an average of about $17 million per development, and that eight new schools would cost an estimated $136 million to design and construct

Greens candidate Natalie Abboud said they agreed education needed funding and that a new primary school in Craigieburn would definitely go ahead under the Greens.

“Our main priority would be to refund the TAFEs and we absolutely oppose the deregulation of university fees,” Ms Abboud said.

“We wholeheartedly agree that it’s a fantastic idea to build new schools, especially in Craigieburn because it’s such a quickly-growing electorate.”

Earlier:

CRAIGIEBURN is set to get another primary school under Labor’s $87 million election pledge to construct 11 new schools.

Today’s announcement by Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews includes $50.5 million for eight schools in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, with Craigieburn North West Primary School among them.

WILL THIS SWAY YOUR VOTE: TELL US BELOW.

Mr Andrews said crowded classrooms, capped enrolments and limited choices were a “nightmare for parents”.

“We’ll build new schools in some of the highest growing areas of our state because children need a quality local education and parents deserve certainty.”

Labor candidate for Yuroke Ros Spence said a new school was important for the area.

“It complements other facilities that have been built in that area,” she said.

“There’s an increasing demand with the local primary schools under pressure with high prep enrolments. This will alleviate some of that pressure.”

While Ms Spence could not give a time frame on the school’s development if Labor was elected, she said it was well needed.

“I’ve visited all of the principals at the local primary schools and a common issue that has been raised has been the increasing pressure on the schools through high, increasing prep enrolments,” she said.

“Each year there’s more and more.”

Meanwhile, the Liberal party has committed to a $1.2 million upgrade of Beveridge Primary School under a re-elected government.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said the investment would complete maintenance and building works, deliver high-quality infrastructure and support quality teaching and learning.