Funds promised to Broadford Primary School for crucial upgrades during the 2022 Election will finally be provided to the school following the release of this year’s Victorian State Budget.
Broadford Primary School is one of 29 school upgrade election commitments that the Allan Labor Government has so-far failed to uphold, with $13.7 million initially promised for its redevelopment.
However, despite being included in this year’s budget papers, just over $3.5 million will be provided to the school in 2025-26, with the remaining amount set to be provided the following year.
The expected completion date for the redevelopment has now been pushed to July 2027.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, who had included upgrades for the school in her most recent budget wish list, said it was about time the school received the much-needed funding.
“Parents, students, and staff have all grown concerned about the school’s redevelopment,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The school has begun to deteriorate quickly as maintenance stopped in anticipation of upgrades that never arrived.
“I wrote to the Premier and Treasurer at the end of last year to stress how important these upgrades would be and that they could not be ignored for any longer.
“While it’s a step forward to see the school finally appear in our budget papers, it’s unacceptable that further delays continue to hold up progress.”
Ms Cleeland said Labor’s lack of action to deliver the school, despite making it a major election commitment, was inexcusable and impacting the future of local students.
“When the commitment was announced, Labor representatives said Broadford Primary School’s funding would be ‘life changing’ for these students,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Sadly, this life changing promise was not a priority for the Labor Government – who instead shelved the redevelopment during previous budgets.
“These delays have jeopardised the academic success of the local children, while also undermining their overall well-being and future opportunities.
“I’m glad the tireless advocacy of the local community has won out and we now have a timeline – and Broadford will eventually receive what was rightfully promised to them.”
