Schools Q&A

Deputy Premier and Education Minister James Merlino and Member for Albert Park Martin Foley hosted a “Q&A” forum on Monday, September 7 to speak with the community about new school projects.

More than 50 people gathered at the South Melbourne Commons Hall to take advantage of the opportunity to quiz both ministers on the current state of education in Southbank and the City of Port Phillip.

Both men reassured families that current projects, including Ferrars St Primary School, South Melbourne Park Primary School, Albert Park College and Prahran Secondary College were well on track.

While the State Government made its intentions clear by allocating almost $4 billion for education in its last budget, many parents were quick to quiz the ministers about many remaining local issues, including a lack of secondary schools and the future growth of Fishermans Bend.

Mr Merlino was quick to reassure families that his government was well aware that a lot of work still remained in bringing education in the area up to speed.

“We’re working closely with the local community and the City of Port Phillip to shape our shared vision for the new primary schools, as well as the wider Fishermans Bend precinct,” he said

“We understand that the need is intense and I’m not asking you to wait until 2018. In particular with this community we have commissioned an independent review to assess what is most needed now.”

“We are moving heaven and earth to make sure that we get Ferrars St and South Melbourne Park Primary open by then, but the independent review of primary and secondary pressures will work hard to establish solutions before 2018.”

It comes after the State Government announced its first review of the future vertical (multi-storey) Ferrars St School’s interim master plan last month, with plans on track to open the Southbank-based school by 2018.