The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its promises and delivering for the people of Yuroke with major investments in local schools and health in the Victorian Budget 2019/20.

As part of a $1.8 billion investment in education, the Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes the biggest ever investment in local education with funding to build brand-new schools in Craigieburn, Greenvale and Merrifield.

The new schools will give local families peace of mind about their children’s future, while helping to meet the needs of our growing community.

The Labor Government is determined to make sure our kids are ready for school and set for life, delivering on our commitment to begin the rollout of universal three-year-old kinder.

Thanks to a $882 million Budget investment, we will ensure that every three-year-old has access to at least five hours per week of subsidised kinder by 2022 – increasing to 15 hours per week.

A further $28.5 million will see early childhood added to the list of Free TAFE courses, reducing financial barriers for students, encouraging enrolments and supporting the Labor Government’s rollout of universal three-year-old kinder.

This year’s Budget also includes $33.6 million to build, expand and improve local kindergarten facilities. With funding provided to local councils and eligible providers, this investment will make sure our kids are getting the best start in life.

Students right across the Yuroke electorate will have a brighter smile, thanks to the Labor Government’s rollout of free dental care at all public primary and secondary schools.

This year’s Budget begins that rollout, investing $321.9 million and delivering on our promise to bring back dental vans. This investment will save local families around $400 a year per child in dental costs, as well as saving parents the inconvenience of taking time off work for appointments.

Once fully rolled out, this initiative will also free up more than 100,000 places in the public dental care system each year.

Planning for the construction and expansion of 10 community hospitals across our state will begin, including in Craigieburn, with a $2 million investment.

This is the first step in building a community hospital in Craigieburn, which once complete, will give local families confidence that the very best care is just around the corner.

Families with four-legged friends will also have a new place to stretch their legs, with the Labor Government delivering on its promise with a brand-new off-leash dog park in Hume, part of a $5 million statewide investment.

Quotes attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence

“More and more families are choosing to make Melbourne’s north their home and only a Labor Government is delivering the schools and health services that local families need.”

“Our record investment in brand new local schools will benefit countless local children for years to come.”

“I’m proud of this major investment’s in our kids’ future, which only Labor Governments deliver.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“This Budget invests $649 million towards the Labor’s Government commitment to deliver 100 new schools over the next 8 years.”

“This includes construction funding for Greenvale North West Primary School and Merrifield West Primary School opening in 2021 and an additional stage for Craigieburn South Secondary School opening next year.”

“We’re committed to rolling out 100 new schools, with Greenvale Secondary College and Kalkallo Primary School also to open in 2022.”