Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (12 680) My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. What is the latest information on the time line for the construction and anticipated opening of Aitken Hill primary school in the Yuroke electorate? It was terrific to see funding for this brand‑new school in the state budget after the 2015–16 budget allocated funding for the land. As a member who represents a rapidly growing community, I welcome the forward‑thinking approach of the Andrews Labor government and the investments that it has made in education in my community. I know local families would welcome an update from the minister on the time line for this important project.

Response:

Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of the people of Yuroke, particularly when it comes to education and emergency services.

Investment in education and school infrastructure is a priority for the Andrews Labor Government, which, with the delivery of the 2017-18 State Budget, has now allocated more than $2.5 billion to improve school and early childhood facilities. I am pleased to confirm that, as part of this funding, the Government has allocated $13.8 million to build Aitken Hill Primary School.

I have been advised by the Department of Education and Training that this project is currently going through a community consultation process, with a survey for the local community to provide input into the design process now open until 2 July 2017. The survey can be found at https://engage.vic.gov.au/AitkenHillPrimary.

Construction of Aitken Hill Primary School is scheduled to begin in early 2018, and to be completed in time for the new school to open for Term 1, 2019.

I have asked the Department to continue to work closely with the community to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The Hon James Merlino MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Education
Minister for Emergency Services