New school’s in at last

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM is to get a new primary school at last.
Last week’s State Budget responded to longstanding demands for a new governmentfunded education facility to meet the needs of the fastgrowing community.
The school — known as Pakenham South Primary — will be built on land previously set aside in the Heritage Springs estate.
Pakenham’s first new statefunded facility in more than 10 years, it has been welcomed as desperately needed. The town’s population has more than doubled in that time.
Heritage Springs resident Barry Hodge helped the push for a new school on land set aside at the estate. Mr Hodge welcomed Treasurer John Brumby’s announcement.
“It’s very good news,” Mr Hodge said.
Residents, Cardinia Shire Council and state MPs have lobbied for a facility to service new residential areas popping up in Pakenham’s south.
Pakenham mum Joanne Woolard said the news was a welcome end to a campaign that began almost two years ago.
Residents knocked on doors to survey families and gathered a petition carrying hundreds of signatures that was recently lodged in State Parliament.
“It’s great, residents in the area will be very happy to hear it,” Mrs Woolard said.
State Government spokeswoman Sofia Dedes said $6.3 million had been allocated to building the facility which is expected to open before the 2008 school year.