While touring schools across the region, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has stressed the need for investment in local schools within the Broadford and Kilmore area.
Ms Cleeland was joined on the tour by Shadow Education Minister Jess Wilson, visiting both Broadford Secondary College and St Patrick’s Primary School in Kilmore.
“The Mitchell shire is growing at a rapid rate, with Broadford and Kilmore’s populations booming,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It is time that this Labor Government ensured that this population growth is matched with sufficient investment into the education system and infrastructure in these
towns.
“Broadford Secondary College is an outstanding school that plays a vital role in educating the region’s youth. Sadly, there are too many families having to be turned away from the school due to their limited enrolment capacity.
“St Patrick’s Primary School is another example of a fantastic school that needs support to handle the significant population increase anticipated for the region.
“Investing in these schools will be of great benefit to the rapidly growing region and will make sure all local students have access to an exceptional education.”
Shadow Minister for Early Childhood and Education Jess Wilson said it was crucial to meet with schools right around the state to learn about the challenges they are facing.
“It is incredibly important to meet with schools across the entire state and ensure that our regional Victorian educators are being listened to,” Ms Wilson said.
“There are unique challenges for schools in regional communities and schools in high-growth areas like Broadford and Kilmore.
“With local populations set to skyrocket, and Labor’s investment at a standstill, it is crucial that the Allan Government steps up and provides funding to deliver the best possible education outcomes for students in these towns.”
The Coalition had made an election commitment to invest $8 million into Broadford Secondary College for upgrades and expansion, something that was not matched by Labor.
As things stand, the school is turning away potential students from outside their zone due to being at capacity. This includes neighbouring Kilmore which continues to be left without a public secondary school despite several calls from Ms Cleeland and local families.
The Mitchell Shire population is expected to increase by nearly 200 per cent by 2041, with Kilmore’s population anticipated to more than double in the same period to nearly 23,000 and Broadford’s population rising by 65 per cent to 9,000 people.
