Opposition pledges second high school for Bellarine Peninsula

A $20m pledge for a second public secondary school on the Bellarine Peninsula has been revealed.

The Bellarine Secondary College Drysdale campus. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Bellarine Peninsula would gain a second public high school if the Coalition wins the upcoming state election, the opposition has pledged.

Bellarine Secondary College is currently the only government high school servicing a large part of the peninsula, and is split across two campuses.

Years 7-8 are offered in Ocean Grove and years 9-12 at Drysdale, but the Coalition has pledged to develop a plan to upgrade both campuses to offer full year 7-12 if elected.

Under the new promise announced on Wednesday, the Coalition said it would commit $20m to complete masterplans and deliver stage one construction of new facilities.

Bellarine Liberal candidate Donnie Grigau said he had heard from parents the new high school was needed desperately.

“We have primary schools across Bellarine, but only one government high school,” Mr Grigau said.

“It is not enough. Bellarine students and families deserve better.”

“The time has come for a second Bellarine Peninsula High School.”

Under the pledge, the Coalition would work with Bellarine Secondary College and the local community to develop the upgrade plan for both campuses.

Liberal candidate Donnie Grigau. Picture: Alison Wynd

Opposition spokesman for education David Hodgett said it was necessary to start planning now because not doing so would severely impact the ability to provide every child with a world-class education.

“We need to invest in our children, cater to their needs and plan for the future,” Mr Hodgett said.

He said the announcement was about providing real solution for the community, while relieving the growing pressure on the current school.

According to MySchool data, there were 1268 students enrolled at Bellarine Secondary College in the 2021 school year, the most recent data available.

This was a slight decline on the 1280 enrolments at the school in 2020.

There were 1261 students in the 2019 school year.

Originally published as Opposition pledges second high school for Bellarine Peninsula