Wonthaggi demands precinct

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Wonthaggi demands precinct

 

 

THE State Government has made no commitment to adding a Wonthaggi education precinct to this year’s budget.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino would lead a group of ministers in a tour of the area to look at different educational hubs, including the local schools, TAFE, and Bass Valley Children’s Centre – as well as other growth areas, such as the health sector.

But he stopped short of committing to funding a new precinct while visiting Bass Coast on Friday.

The lack of news came as Wonthaggi Secondary College grapples with another surge in the school’s population on the cramped McBride campus, which is landlocked and outdated.

On the first day of school last Thursday, the school had 1270 students, with more expected to enrol during the school year.

The school averages 20 to 30 additional enrolments per year.

“Upgrades to the school are a priority for us and we remain hopeful,” the college’s McBride campus principal Darren Parker said.

“Brian Paynter (Bass MLA) has been very supportive of us and last year’s visit from the Minister for Education James Merlino was positive on the day. We hope to hear a funding announcement this year. It would be great to teach our students in a modern facility.”

Shadow Minister for Young Victorians, Apprenticeships and Training Steph Ryan said having an education precinct in Wonthaggi would increase the educational aspirations of the young locals.

Ms Ryan said there had been a collapse in TAFE enrolments and rural students needed fair access to further education.

“Having other resources like the TAFE meant four out of the six students I spoke to today would be the first in their families to complete Year 12. That’s such an achievement,” Ms Ryan said while visiting Chisholm TAFE at Wonthaggi last Thursday.

“We need to invest in our young people and break the cycle of families being unable to access higher education. Particularly in regional areas, the cost of relocating to receive higher education means some people are unable to continue tertiary education.

“There’s a range of issues for rural families to relocate to the city, so I support the precinct.”

If an education precinct were to be developed, it would mean a new facility for senior Wonthaggi Secondary College students, as well as access to a TAFE and university. Local education providers would prefer to see the secondary college’s Dudley campus continue to operate as normal.

Ms Ryan said there were likely to be more TAFE and other courses within the precinct, depending on the provider.

“I’m disappointed Labor went to the election and promised Victoria would be the education state. So far, all it has been is a number plate slogan,” she said.

“Education funding has been cut in my own area (Benalla and Seymour) and portables have been taken out of country schools. It seems as if schools beyond the city limits don’t matter.

“I see value in having an education precinct offered here and I want to support the students who need help and are struggling. At the end of the day, infrastructure sends a message about how important their education is. You can’t expect students to reach the potential they would in a modern environment if they are studying in an old, outdated building.”

Mr Paynter said he would continue to lobby the State Government for a funding commitment in 2016.

“I will continue to work with the school and advocate for funding,” he said.

“The Minister for Education has seen the school and is aware of its current state. I constantly remind him of its importance and will continue to regularly raise the issue in Parliament.”

Mr Parker said the school community had wanted action for the long time, and would be thrilled to hear a funding announcement this year.

“We want to provide the best opportunities for our students. Our students deserve fairness, like every other student in the state,” he said.

Precinct support: from left, Eastern Region MLC Melina Bath, Bass MLA Brian Paynter and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians, Apprenticeships and Training Steph Ryan visited Chisholm TAFE in Wonthaggi. They stressed the value of having educational opportunities in the area.

Precinct support: from left, Eastern Region MLC Melina Bath, Bass MLA Brian Paynter and Shadow Minister for Young Victorians, Apprenticeships and Training Steph Ryan visited Chisholm TAFE in Wonthaggi.
They stressed the value of having educational opportunities in the area.

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Posted by on Feb 2 2016. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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