By Ewen McRae
A new primary school in Melton South is a step closer to reality after the state government finalised a land acquisition on Bridge Road last week.
The new school, which was part of an election commitment at last year’s election, was one of four schools promised for the Melton area.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the school will provide a boost for the growing region.
“It’s fantastic news for the community,” Mr McGhie said.
“Having the land ticked off means that the progress can be made on getting the school started in the near future, and delivering a new school for that community.
“There is massive growth within the Melton electorate, and we know that more schools need to be built. This is the second location confirmed after the Eynesbury school, which will be built as I understand it by 2021, and this one not long after in hopefully 2022.
“It is absolutely essential that schools are being built in this electorate just to keep up with the pace of growth.”
New schools at Rockbank North and Grasslands were also part of the election pledge.
Education Minister James Merlino said these schools were the start of an eight-year plan for new schools across the state.
“We’ll open 100 new schools over the next eight years – creating thousands of jobs and ensuring every child has a great education at their local public school,” Mr Merlino said.
While the exact components of the new Melton South school are not yet known, Mr McGhie said students can look forward to top-notch facilities.
“The designs of the new schools these days are really modern and open planned,” he said.
“The facilities will be state-of-the-art, and the consultation with the teachers, principals, parents and kids will be thorough, so students can look forward to that.
“I would think the school will initially cater for several hundred students, with obviously the potential for future growth.
“There’s no question we will need more schools in this electorate in the future, and that is something I’ll be continuing to take up with the government and the minister directly.”
