By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM’S education needs are well and truly on the State Government’s radar, according to Member for the Western Metropolitan Region, Andrew Elsbury.
As reported by Star on 24 July this year, Wyndham needs 39 new schools to be built by 2031 if it is to keep up with current population growth.
Mr Elsbury said last week the Coalition was aware of the amount of work needed.
“In last week’s papers the Mayor of the City of Wyndham, Cr Kim McAliney, chose to bring into question the State Government’s understanding of Wyndham’s education needs,” Mr Elsbury said.
“As a local who proudly completed my VCE at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College and with children of my own who are about to start school, the educational needs of Wyndham are close to my heart.
“I and the Government agree there is much work to be done, both in providing further schools in our growth areas and dealing with maintenance backlogs at established schools.”
Mr Elsbury said the State Government’s latest budget did in fact provide for Wyndham’s students.
“Our budget saw Galvin Park receive the second largest infrastructure spend of any school in Victoria. We put our money where our mouth is,” he said.
“We will see the Point Cook South East P-9 and Tarneit Central P-9 schools active by next year. We have provided $4 million in this budget for works at Laverton Secondary College to ensure our region’s autistic children can have access to the best facilities possible.”
