By NICOLE WILLIAMS
COMPLETE one project before starting the next.
That is the advice from Pakenham Secondary College school council president Brian Paynter to the state government after the 2013-14 State Budget included $11.5 million to build stage one of Officer Secondary College.
Mr Paynter said any investment in the public school system was a good one but the existing schools should not be forgotten.
“Although I applaud the commitment to invest in public schools in Victoria, and particularly this region, the current schools are underfunded,” Mr Paynter said.
“I would like to see them complete projects at Pakenham Secondary College before they make decisions on new schools.”
Mr Paynter said the Pakenham school has had “money spent in other areas” but the main administration wing and Year 7 building was built in the 1960s.
“In my opinion it is not good enough.
“The commitment should be to bring the facilities of Pakenham Secondary College up to scratch before investing too heavily in building further schools,” Mr Paynter said.
“The reason is that Pakenham Secondary College is not at capacity yet and our estimates are that it will take some years to be at capacity.
“Pakenham Secondary College needs further investment to improve the facilities that are already there.”
The $11.5 million committed to building stage one of Officer Secondary College is in addition to $2 million for planning and a $10 million investment for the purchase of the land.
Bass MP Ken Smith said the funding was a major boost for educational services in the fast growing area of Officer.
“The Coalition Government recognises there is a real need for more education options in the Officer area.
“We listened to the local community and, unlike Labor, we are putting the infrastructure in place at the right time,” Mr Smith said.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said the $11.5 million announcement ensured the new Officer education precinct could now be delivered with the secondary college to be built alongside the $15 million Officer Specialist School, which is currently under construction.
Once completed, the new Officer Secondary College will provide an administration centre and library, specialist learning areas including food technology, drama, music, science labs, design studios, materials technology workshop and machine room, gymnasium, outdoor courts and sporting fields and recreational spaces.
