Families in Pakenham will soon have the quality new local school they deserve, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s unprecedented investments in the Education State.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Harriet Shing today announced land will be acquired for Pakenham Northwest Primary School (interim name) which will be one of 15 sites to be acquired for future new schools, backed by an investment of $236.7 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

Our outer suburbs are growing quickly. The Labor Government will invest $236.7 million to acquire land in Cardinia, Casey, Greater Geelong, Hume, Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham for future new schools, as well as $92.2 million for new relocatable buildings to provide extra places in 2023 for schools with fast-growing enrolments.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 also includes a $527.2 million investment to build 13 new schools set to open in 2024, as well as extra stages at four existing new school projects. With another new school already funded in the Victorian Budget 2021/22, a total of 14 new Victorian schools will open in 2024.

In the past eight years, the Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The Government is well ahead of schedule in its work to deliver 100 new schools between 2019 and 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Harriet Shing

“We are acquiring land for a future new primary school to ensure Pakenham students and their families have access to a great education close to home.”

“You can’t get a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom – this new school will be critical for young families in Pakenham who are embarking on their educational journey.”

“Only our government will deliver an education system that supports every Victorian child to reach their full potential, no matter whether they attend a specialist school or a mainstream school.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We promised we’d open 100 new schools across the state to make sure every family has access to a fantastic education, close to home – and that’s exactly what we’ve done, with another land for a further 15 new schools – including Pakenham Northwest Primary School.”