Decisions made: Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino said decisions had been made on the former sites of three schools in Shepparton and Mooroopna.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Victorian Education Minister James Merlino has revealed the state government’s plans for the three former school sites in Shepparton and Mooroopna.
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Asked by Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed in parliament on Wednesday night, Mr Merlino said two of the three sites would be used for educational purposes, while the future of the former Mooroopna Secondary College was still out to community consultation.
Mr Merlino said Wanganui Park Secondary College would be part of the Department of Education’s long-term plan for students with additional needs in the region.
“This work is particularly important given the enrolment pressures at Verney Rd School,” he said.
“The former Wanganui Park Secondary College does open up opportunities for the state to address specialist provision in the future, and next steps are being considered right now.”
He said the former McGuire College would be used as part of the expansion of the Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre operated by Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE.
Mr Merlino the government was also “considering the potential to locate future education facilities adjacent to the neighbouring Wilmot Rd Primary School”.
In discussion: Education Minister James Merlino speaking to Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed in 2019.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
Mr Merlino said all existing community use agreements would remain in place “for 2022 and beyond”, while the department was "exploring the use of vacated school buildings by other community groups“.
He also said community use of the oval at Wanganui Secondary College was also being agreed upon by council, while Scouts and Goulburn Valley Woodworkers would continue to operate in the area.
Mr Merlino said no decision had been made on the future of Mooroopna Secondary College and that community consultation around the site would continue.
"I know the member for Shepparton and the local community are interested in discussing the future use of this site and I commit to doing just that,“ Mr Merlino said.
However, he said the government “has no intention whatsoever to dispose of this site before deep engagement with the community with regard to its long-term use”.
Ms Sheed asked Mr Merlino about the future of the Westside Performing Arts Centre, with Mr Merlino saying joint-use agreements with local council for the arts centre and indoor stadium at the site would continue.
“My department to date has been focused on those existing community facilities — the performing arts centre and the stadium,” Mr Merlino said.
“We will now turn our mind to the future use of the balance of the site, and I can assure the member for Shepparton that the Andrews government will continue to work with the member and the community on options to ensure the best long-term use.”
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