Gippsland Nationals MPs Tim Bull and Danny O’Brien have received confirmation the State Government will deliver the Sale Specialist School project in full.
Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, has received written confirmation from the Education Minister James Merlino that despite a $1.5 million cost overrun, the school will go ahead as planned with all buildings and will be due to open in July 2017.
“With the revelation of a $1.5 million cost overrun earlier this year, there was some concern in the school community that the project will be reduced in scope. I was pleased to get confirmation from the Minister at the time that this would not be the case but there was concern in the school community that it would be built in two stages to accommodate the funding issues,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I have now received confirmation from the Minister in writing that there will be just one stage. Naturally there was a concern from parents and teachers that having a building site at the Specialist School would not be suitable given the nature of the students and concerns about safety.
“I am very happy that the Minister has given his assurance that the project is proceeding as planned.”
Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the community had fought hard for this new school and would be looking forward to moving in next year
“There’s been a massive community effort to get this school funded and after The Nationals in Government delivered the land and stage one funding, I am pleased we are now proceeding as planned,” Mr Bull said.
“I look forward to the official turning of the first sod next week and seeing this school spring up and deliver for parents, students, teachers and the wider Wellington community.”
Friday, August 19, 2016