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The Warrnambool Special Developmental School (SDS) has received long-awaited funds for a brand new school from the state government, with Education Minister James Merlino announcing $14.6 million.
“I have visited this school on multiple occasions and I know the challenges the face. For too long Warrnambool Special Developmental School has been bursting at the seams, and I am proud that we have delivered on this important promise,” Mr Merlino said.
“Unlike the Liberal Party we will not ignore the south-west. I have always said we would finish what we started and I am very happy to be making this announcement today.”
Meanwhile, opposition education spokesman Tim Smith also announced this afternoon that if elected next year, a Liberal government would fully fund a new school.
More to come.
UPDATE 1.35pm:
Warrnambool SDS principal Robert Dowell said news of the funding was “absolutely marvellous”.
“I was expecting it at the next budget in May, but this was an absolute surprise,” he said.
Mr Dowell said a note would be going home with students this afternoon to let the school community know.
”Now we know we can move forward to the next stage, the building stage,” he said.
”We’re ready to go to tender so it could probably go to tender pretty soon.
“We’re very very happy, it’s marvellous news and we’re looking forward to a bright and happy future.”
UPDATE 1.50pm:
South west coast MP Roma Britnell has said she is pleased the school has received the funds it needs to build new facilities.
“It means that the children will have the education environment that every child should have,” she said.
Mrs Britnell said she was proud of her party’s commitment to fund the school if elected. She pointed out Labor announced the funding minutes after her party’s announcement.
“How this has happened doesn’t matter,” she said.
“I’m proud to have made this announcement if that has resulted in Labor coming out and making the announcement as well.
“The children are all that matter.”