Friday, 27 November 2020

Students in the Yarra Ranges will soon have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities to learn in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Yarra Ranges Special Development School to discuss the further $8.92 million for new and exciting school upgrades, as part of the Victorian Budget 2020/21.

The funding boost will allow the school to deliver the last stage of the school’s master plan, which will include the construction of the senior years learning building and additional administration space.

This brings the total investment in transforming the school to $22.97 million since 2017.

During his visit, Minister Merlino toured stage 2 of the works, the construction of a new junior learning building including four general purpose classrooms, a kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, office space, a sick bay and outdoor areas. It is expected to open early next year.

Construction of Stage 3, which received $10 million in funding and comprises a middle years building and specialist buildings, will commence in 2021 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invests more than $3 billion in school upgrades, including $1.1 billion as part of the previously announced Building Works Package, with a further $1.9 billion to roll out the next phase of the school building boom.

Over the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in the future of our students by building new schools, modernising classrooms and creating first class learning opportunities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This exciting project at Yarra Ranges Special Development School will give teachers even more impressive and modern facilities to deliver students the 21st century education they deserve.”