Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (Question 362) My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. I ask that the minister provide me with information regarding the proposed time lines for construction of the new Craigieburn North West Primary School. The Craigieburn community is very excited about the government’s commitment to construct this school and is very keen to see works get underway. This school will be located in a rapidly developing and active precinct that includes a new kindergarten, which the Minister for Families and Children opened recently. The community was thrilled to have the Minister for Families and Children visit to open the kindergarten, and I know it will be equally excited to receive an update from the Minister for Education as to when construction of this much-needed new school will be underway.

Response from the Hon. James Merlino MP, Minister for Education:
I am pleased to hear that the Craigieburn community is excited about the new school. The Andrews Labor Government is committed to building educational facilities where they are needed across the State, and ten communities will see new schools delivered through funding allocated in the 2015-16 State Budget. This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to creating the Education State.

Through the State Budget, $12 million has been provided to build the new Craigieburn North West Primary School. The Department of Education and Training is currently developing the master plan for the project, and we expect construction to begin in January 2016.

The specific opening date for the school will be confirmed through the project’s tender process; however, I am advised at this stage that Craigieburn North West Primary School is due to open its doors in 2017.