The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien has welcomed progress on consolidation of Sale College onto one new site after the agreement of Wellington Shire Council to sell land for the project.
However, Mr O’Brien said while this and other master planning activity for the school were very welcome there was one vital missing ingredient – a commitment of funds.
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals had committed to build a new Sale College on the Cobains Road site ahead of the 2022 election, but we are still waiting for commitment from the Labor Government.
“I’ve been campaigning with the Sale community for seven years now on consolidation of the two campuses of Sale College onto one new greenfield site.
“We had a breakthrough with the commitment in 2021 of $3 million for master planning and I’m pleased that Wellington Shire Council is prepared to sell the land on Cobains Road to help progress the project. But none of that will matter unless the Allan Labor Government actually delivers the commitment of funding to build a new school.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing time and again billions of dollars wasted on mega projects in the city, while important regional projects such as Sale College are neglected.
“The reality is Labor can’t manage money and it is regional communities and students in the Sale district that are suffering the consequences.”
Mr O’Brien said he would continue to lobby the government on the project.
“Labor has proclaimed Victoria “The Education State”, but our performances in NAPLAN testing are still very poor, while we’re missing out on important facilities such as a new Sale College.
“This project would send a strong message to local students, their families and teachers that we value their education and want to give them the best available facility.
“I am committed to continue this fight and it’s time the Allan Labor Government came to the party.”