School buildings are set to start

By Kath Gannaway
BUILDING will start soon at Launching Place and Warburton primary schools, with contracts awarded for the works.
Launching Place’s $2 million budget for a new library and classrooms, and Warburton’s $1.27 million for modernisations works are part of an overall $6.27million allocation for the Gembrook electorate.
The funding is a joint state and federal government collaboration aimed at improving education facilities and stimulating jobs.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato announced the signing of the contracts last week with L.U. Simon Ltd. the successful tenderer.
Ms Lobato said it was an important milestone which would see work commence within weeks.
“There has never been a bigger effort or investment in education in Victoria than there is right now and with the contracts now signed for work to begin on round one buildings, hundreds of schools across the state will see work beginning to transform their schools,” Tammy said.
Warburton Primary School is battening down for some upheaval but looking forward to the improvements the work will bring to the school.
“We are excited at the prospect of work beginning,” said principal Kerry Jorgenson.
“We understand there will be eight months of work on site so the children will have to rejig the way they move around the school. There will be some upheaval, but in the long run it will be good,” she said.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said building projects would provide a much-needed boost for the building and construction industry in tough times.
“This is about keeping people in jobs in these tough economic times and delivering 21st century school buildings so that the students of today get the best possible education and are equipped with the skills they need for the future,” she said.