State election 2018: Norwood Secondary College gets $15 million pledge
A RUN-DOWN Ringwood school will get completely rebuilt if the Coalition win November’s state election. The ageing secondary college has not had any building upgrades since the 1970s.
Outer East
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A RUN-DOWN Ringwood school will get completely rebuilt if the Coalition win November’s state election.
The opposition pledged $15 million for stage one of a total rebuild of the 60-year-old Norwood Secondary College this morning, a big step up on the $50,000 it pledged in May for a masterplan.
The ageing school has not had any upgrades to its buildings since the 1970s, with the exception of its new gym, which was jointly funded by the state and federal governments in 2016 and was set to open next month.
STATE OPPOSITION PLEDGES TO FUND MASTERPLAN FOR RINGWOOD’S NORWOOD COLLEGE AFTER ANOTHER BUDGET SNUB
NORWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE NEEDS ‘SUBSTANTIAL’ REBUILD, PRINCIPAL SAYS
NORWOOD SECONDARY COLLEGE TEAMS UP WITH RINGWOOD BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION TO SECURE TWO-COURT STADIUM
The State Government allocated $2.67 million to rebuild the school’s most modern building, the library, through its Asbestos Removal Program in May.
Principal Andrew Sloane described the Opposition’s pledge as “a thrilling announcement”.
“We are poised to start the planning, we know exactly what we want to do, we’ve just been waiting for the support from a government to do the redevelopment,” Mr Sloane said.
“Whilst our performance is fantastic, the facilities are a deterrent for some parents, so we’d love to have facilities that will offer genuine choice.
“It’s great to have the support from people who are so influential.”
Ringwood state Liberal MP Dee Ryall said she had fought long and hard for Norwood to get its fair share of funding.
“Norwood has waited long enough,” she said.
“They have desperately needed work done to the classrooms … they need the facilities necessary to be able do the best they can to produce the best outcome they can with the students.
“This is an outstanding announcement to rebuild this school.”
Opposition Education spokesman and Kew state Liberal MP Tim Smith said the Coalition would work “hand in glove” with Norwood and begin work on its masterplan within 100 days of forming government.
“Norwood Secondary College has been overlooked by the Labor Government for this funding for far too long,” he said.
“It will be one of the first cabs off the rank, this is a key local school in this area.”
Maroondah Leader has been campaigning for upgrades on Norwood’s behalf since 2014.
Education Minister James Merlino has been contacted for comment.
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