Total funding of $31.7 million for three schools in the City of Casey has not been delivered, according to Southeastern Metro MP Ann-Marie Hermans, after calling out their stagnation.
Outlined by the 2024-25 State Budget, Lyndhurst Secondary College was to receive $13.6 million in funding, James Cook Primary School with $9.1 million, and Cranbourne Secondary College with $9 million.
However, Hermans said that despite the promises, these projects remain in the “tender preparation stage”, and that no works have commenced.
She added that, as a former teacher and curriculum department head, she knows “how important world-class facilities are to the quality of one’s education”.
“Sadly, school communities right across the southeast are being deprived of much-needed upgrades as a direct result of the State Government’s foolish spending priorities,” she said.
The shadow minister for education, Jess Wilson also said with educational outcomes declining and a “worsening teacher shortage crisis, delivering safe, modern and appropriate school facilities must be a priority”.
She added that the delay is “inexcusable” and that the promises for these upgrades have been broken.
Hermans has long been outspoken about the state’s ‘mismanagement’ of priorities, where on 5 February, in the Legislative Council, she criticised the broader Labor government for “putting all their eggs in one basket”.
She spoke on the Suburban Rail Loop, something that the Liberal Party have staunchly opposed due to its cost, timing, and transparency around expenditures, and how that took precedence over schools in growth areas.
This story is developing, and more information added once it becomes available.
