Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (11:47:30) — (14 013) My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. What information can the minister provide on the timeline for acquiring land for the future Craigieburn South secondary college. Yuroke parents want to ensure that their kids get the best possible start in life, and it was no surprise that local families welcomed funding in the 2017–18 Victorian budget to secure a third secondary school for Craigieburn residents to educate local kids alongside great existing secondary schools. This new facility will also complement the government’s massive investment in new local primary schools, including the brand‑new Newbury Primary School and the future Aitken Hill primary school, the Greenvale North West primary school and the Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School. I look forward to hearing from the minister and sharing his response with local residents.

Response:

I am advised that the Victorian School Building Authority is involved in productive negotiations for the acquisition of a site for the proposed Craigieburn South Secondary College, following the allocation of funding for this site in the 2017-18 State Budget.

The land acquisition process usually lasts an average of 12 months. During this time, the Department of Education and Training undertakes detailed site investigations to ensure that the proposed site is suitable for use as a school. The process is conducted in accordance with the Government’s Land Transactions Policy and Guidelines.

I can assure you that progress is being made towards securing a site for the school.

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