By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
SCHOOLS in the south east have benefited from what state Treasurer Tim Pallas has labelled “the biggest education budget in Victoria’s history”.
In his 2015-’16 budget speech on Tuesday Mr Pallas mentioned a Cranbourne Secondary College student who said: “I love school but these classrooms are absolutely disgusting.”
“That’s about as sad as you get,“ Mr Pallas said.
“While opening her eyes to the world, she’s turning her gaze away.
“That can’t happen here – not in our state, not in our schools.”
In the budget, Cranbourne Secondary College was allocated $1 million over two years for planning towards a $10 million upgrade.
The upgrade includes redeveloping its science and technology wing and new classrooms.
Hampton Park Primary School gets a $5 million upgrade of its administrative wing, art, library and computer rooms as well as a new science discovery centre.
Berwick Fields Primary School is also one of 62 state schools named for maintenance repairs and other upgrades.
The state’s “biggest increase in school funding” includes $178 million to help disadvantaged students go on school camps, get free eye tests and free breakfasts.
Mr Pallas said the government was also covering an $805 million federal shortfall in Gonski funding in 2016 and 2017.
Other budget announcements a new bus service between Cranbourne and Pearcedale was also announced, with more services and extended routes such as the 847 Berwick to Casey Central route stretching into the Glasscocks Road area.
Suburbs in Casey and Cardinia will share in a $50 million Interface Councils Infrastructure Fund covering 10 outer suburban councils.
The fund will be used for multi-purpose facilities, community centres and playgrounds.
The Endeavour Hills precinct revamp has received $50,000 towards redesigning the town square and kiosk.
The government will also commit to 20 E-class trams and 21 VLocity regional carriages built at Bombardier’s factory in Dandenong as part of a $2 billion rolling-stock package.
It has also announced funding for a conventional signalling upgrade on the Cranbourne-Pakenham rail corridor.
