Adjournment: Mickleham Primary School

Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (17:23:07): (158) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action that I am seeking is an update from the minister on the maintenance works at Mickleham Primary School. Last week I visited the school, and there is no doubt that there was a lot of activity taking place onsite, but there is also still more to be done there. I know that the school community would really appreciate an update from the minister on this. This is a really small school, and it has been at that current site since 1871. The original bluestone building is still home to the library of that school. The school has retained that small-school community spirit, so I do look forward to sharing that update with the school.

Response: 

I am informed as follows:

Thank you for your representation on behalf of the people of Yuroke, particularly on matters related to education.

I am advised that the school originally had one relocatable toilet block prior to 2018. Since then, the VSBA has worked with the school to arrange for a second relocatable toilet block in 2018, and a third one in early February 2019. The most recent action on this issue has been for joint planning by the VSBA and school to have the third relocatable toilet block, which is for student use, connected to the school’s septic system in early March this year, work on this has now been completed.

During February 2019, the VSBA worked with the school to upgrade its septic system. As part of this upgrade, the VSBA helped to ensure that septic waste removal trucks no longer need to enter school grounds by providing a coupling point at the street frontage. This upgrade has helped to make the school safer, whilst also addressing the school’s septic waste issues.

In relation to the school’s power supply, I am advised that the VSBA has been working closely with the school to explore multiple options regarding their power supply needs. The VSBA made an application on the school’s behalf to the local power distribution company, Jemena, for an increase in supply to help address the school’s power supply needs. This process is anticipated to take up to six months to finalise. In addition, the Department of Education and Training is collaborating with the school around planning for internal modifications to switchboards and cabling to safely distribute power around the campus.

In regards to the school’s stormwater system, I am advised that the VSBA, the Department’s North-Western Regional Office and Hume City Council are aware of its issues and will keep the school informed of any developments.

I trust this information is of assistance.

The Hon James Merlino MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Education