Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — (12 985) My question is to the Minister for Education. What information can the minister provide to Yuroke residents on the progress of the acquisition of land for the future Greenvale north west primary school and Craigieburn south secondary school? We have some terrific schools in the Yuroke electorate, but as the community continues to grow we need to make sure that there are additional schools where we need them and when we need them. That is why residents were so happy that the Andrews Labor government’s Victorian budget 2017–18 funded the purchase of land for these future facilities as well as funding for the construction of the new Aitken Hill primary school. I know that Yuroke residents would welcome an update from the minister on this matter.

Response:

The acquisition of land for the future Greenvale North West Primary School and Craigieburn South Secondary School is progressing well.

Preferred sites have been identified and negotiations have commenced between the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) and the developer land owners.

The VSBA is currently on track to acquire the sites by 30 June 2018.

Planning has commenced for Aitken Hill Primary School, which was funded for construction in the 2017-18 State Budget with $13.5 million allocated to the project. The site is in the final stages of acquisition to enable the commencement of construction in early 2018. The school is scheduled to open in Term 1, 2019.

Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of your local community regarding these important projects. I look forward to working with you to ensure that new and improved services are delivered for local families.

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