Sandringham College gets a funding boost pledge from Labor

THE Labor Party has announced it will chip in an extra $2 million to refurbish Sandringham College’s three campuses — if it wins the election.

Education Minister Martin Dixon at Sandringham College making an announcement on upgrades to the college.

THE LABOR Party has today announced it will chip in an extra $2 million to refurbish Sandringham College’s three campuses — if it wins the election.

The $2 million is on top of a $4 million pledge declared in March to improve facilities at the Beaumaris, Highett and Sandringham sites.

State Opposition education spokesman James Merlino said the money would be used to build new classrooms, including new facilities at Beaumaris, and minor support works at Highett and Sandringham.

He announced the extra funding at an event held with Sandringham ALP candidate Christine Zagouris today.

“Only Labor will rebuild classrooms and facilities at Sandringham (College) to give our kids the best start,” Mr Merlino said.

Last year, state Labor Leader Daniel Andrews pledged to build a stand-alone school at the Beaumaris campus, a pledge which still stands.

The Liberals have previously announced $6 million for the college, which is already being spent, but have consistently ruled out a stand-alone school.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said the government had a commitment to a strong and sustainable combined college.

“Another cruel hoax from Labor with a promise to provide $2 million to rebuild Sandringham College,” Mr Dixon said.

“Don’t they know $2 million doesn’t rebuild a school?”

He said two independent studies that took into account local demographics had demonstrated that a stand-alone school wasn’t required.