The Nationals Member for Euroa has raised the need for an upgrade of Broadford Secondary College and an investigation into public secondary schooling in Kilmore with the Minister for Education.
Speaking from Parliament Ms Cleeland spoke about the growth in the Mitchell Shire and the impacts of a dearth of investment in local education.
“The Mitchell Shire is growing at a rapid rate with Broadford and Kilmore booming,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Before the start of 2023, Broadford Secondary had to turn away several families due to the school being so close to capacity.”
Despite prospective year 7 students being turned away due to enrolment caps, this has not been acknowledged by the Andrews Government.
“In April last year the Minister for Education said the school is not currently experiencing enrolment pressure,” Ms Cleeland said.
“At the same time, neighbouring Kilmore does not have a public school – which was why The Nationals committed to both funding a business case for a new public school in Kilmore as well as $8 million towards upgrading Broadford Secondary College.”
In addition to raising the needs of Broadford Secondary in Parliament, Ms Cleeland wrote directly to the Minister at the beginning of February.
“Our children desperately need a masterplan for Broadford Secondary to show the significant investment needed to meet basic school infrastructure,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Regional students shouldn’t have to settle for second best. Broadford needs this investment, and it needs it now.”