Labor has again pledged funding for a school upgrade, this time in Maiden Gully.
An additional $7.9 million will be invested in the township’s Primary School for Stage 2 of an ongoing redevelopment at the site, including a new “general learning building”.
The party’s candidate for Bendigo West, Brenton Baldwin announced the commitment on Thursday, October 15th alongside the electorate’s outgoing MP, Maree Edwards.
“Maiden Gully is a growing area of Bendigo and its schools need to grow with it,” Mr Baldwin said in a statement.
“Investing in education gives kids the best start in life.”
This announcement came just a day after Labor promised over $18 million for a new Applied Learning Centre at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
Both pledges are reliant on the party retaining government at the upcoming state election.
The Opposition has previously voiced concerns about the condition of Maiden Gully Primary, with the first stage of its revamp having been completed roughly three years ago.
Nationals MP and Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad spoke in parliament on August 25th, reflecting on a recent visit to the school and the condition of its buildings.
“I was shocked to see the library off limits and undergoing repairs due to water damage to the building,” Ms Broad said.
“A teacher’s foot had gone through the floor, and now the site is sealed off due to black mould.
“Parents have raised concerns that the fast-track company engaged to do the repairs has in fact been the opposite, and I could see hundreds of books piled up, soon to be thrown out due to damage.”
At this stage, it’s unknown if the Opposition will match Labor’s funding pledge.
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