By JESSE GRAHAM
THE future of Yarra Junction Primary School has been secured regardless of who wins government next weekend, after the Coalition matched Labor’s election pledge this morning.
Education Minister Martin Dixon visited the school with Seymour MP and Liberal candidate for Eildon Cindy McLeish and Nationals candidate Jim Child this morning (Monday 17 November) to announce it would provide $2 million to the school, which will be used to replace sinking portables.
“This $2 million investment will assist to deliver a brand-new permanent building and replace two portables, to support quality teaching for students and staff,” Mr Dixon said.
Mr Dixon’s pledge matches one made by Labor’s Shadow Education Minister and Deputy Leader of the Opposition James Merlino and Labor candidate for Eildon Sally Brennan in July.
The school had called out for help through the year, due to its arts building being condemned by the Education Department and portables sinking into the earth.
School Council president Brian Westlake told the Mail at the time that the school had not received any government funding in 28 years, and desperately needed the funding to get their buildings back up to standard.
As a result of today’s announcement, the school will receive its upgrade, no matter which party wins government in the 29 November election.
For the full story, see next week’s Mail.
