New school a step closer

By Sarah Thompson
A NEW school in Heritage Springs is closer after Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said she last week received confirmation the proposed school site was being acquired and contracts of sale were being prepared.
Pakenham resident Don Hodge has been leading the push for a primary school to service children living in Heritage Springs and surrounding estates in Pakenham’s south.
Ms Lobato said she would push for the funding of school buildings to be included in the State Budget, and Mr Hodge is eagerly awaiting the 30 May announcement.
Mr Hodge said there was an urgent need for a school in the area as Cardinia and Officer primary schools were only taking students from their own areas, and other Pakenham schools were so full they were having staggered lunchtimes.
Last year, there were 760 students in the area of primary school age.
Mr Hodge said residents had been told by Ms Lobato’s office that the school would open in time for the 2008 school year.
Ms Lobato said the announcement of the site’s acquisition was an important step for Pakenham and for residents in Heritage Springs.
“A vital step forward has been taken for Heritage Springs and I am informed that the developer and the Department of Education have now reached an agreement on price,” Ms Lobato said.
“The acquisition of this land will allow for consideration to be given to the funding of a new school to be included in future budgets.”