Tuesday, 7 February 2023

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (16:09): As we return from the summer break, hopefully well rested, the Andrews Labor government has been busy in the Melton electorate. In our commitment to deliver world-class education the government will invest $10.7 million into Kurunjang Secondary College and $8.8 million into Melton Secondary College to modernise and redevelop their technology blocks and build a brand new rugby pitch at Melton Secondary College. Melton South Primary School will receive $21.32 million to modernise existing and construct new classroom blocks. Additionally Toolern Vale and District Primary School will receive $6.42 million for school upgrades and new facilities, and on top of this Al Iman College is set to receive a new crossing on Rees Road, with a $400,000 government commitment. This project is attributable to the community’s commitment to safety. They presented Minister Carroll at the time and me with a petition of 250 signatures. Also the Melton TAFE college will begin construction in 2024, and last Friday I attended the opening of the brand new Thornhill Park Primary School, welcoming over 300 prep to grade 6 students this year. Looking ahead, the government will build three new schools in Melton, including the planned opening of Brookfield primary school in 2024, Weir Views primary school and a public secondary school in Cobblebank. Free three- and four-year-old kinder has had a 100 per cent uptake across Melton, and Hope Street will receive $870,000, helping them continue to provide vital youth services. Melton will be level crossing free and receive a brand new Melton railway station with line upgrades, including longer trains, more services and V/Line fare caps. Public transport is set to improve in the Eynesbury community, with a new bus service, and with the Premier announcing expressions of interest for the tender of the Melton hospital, plans are well underway to deliver the much-needed 24-hour emergency for Melton.