Cash comes in

By Tania Martin
MACCLESFIELD Primary School has been the major beneficiary of funds promised during last November’s State election.
The school is to receive its promised $3.193 million cash boost it needs to start stage two of its building program.
The Dandenong Ranges National Park is to get the $1 million it was promised and another $416,000 is to be given to the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program, as promised in the run up to the election.
However, it has yet to be decided how the money is to be spent.
The school’s money was announced as part of a record cash boost for schools across the state in the 2007-08 budget.
Macclesfield Primary School was one of 45 Victorian schools to receive funding for building upgrades.
Monbulk MP James Merlino said the funding was great news for Macclesfield Primary School because it means stage two of the redevelopment can now go ahead.
Education Minister John Lenders said the State Government has delivered on its election promises.
“We promised to rebuild or modernise every school, invest in new technologies, and refurbish, replace or build 200 science rooms, and today (Tuesday) we begin delivering,” he said.
“Our target for the first four years is to rebuild or modernise 500 schools and TAFEs, at a cost of $1.9 billion, and this year we have delivered more than a quarter of this goal.
“This is the largest school building program in the state’s history and will transform education infrastructure across the state.”
Principal John Chiswell said under stage two, six new classrooms, a library, staff work space and student toilets would be built.
Mr Chiswell said the funding now means the school can finally finish its refurbishment project.
He said both the students and the staff are excited about the cash boost.
“It is really welcome and we are ready to go now,” he said.
“We already have the plans drawn up, all we need to do is appoint the builder and we can start work.”
In November, Environment Minister John Thwaites told The Mail that funding for the Helmeted Honeyeater would go a long way towards preserving the bird, which is Victoria’s emblem.
Mr Merlino said the State Government was now delivering on its commitment to meet the challenges of the future and invest in the services that matter to families.
“These initiatives will build on the previous budget announcements for the Monbulk electorate ensuring this region continues to be a great place to live, work and invest.”