Page 4563 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 26 November 2019
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range of learning settings to meet different needs. For example, at Cranleigh School, a specialist school in my electorate, the government has upgraded calming spaces, an outdoor playground and security fencing, with more than $200,000 in works.
The ACT government invests in public schools to make sure that every student has what they need to be included, and to learn and develop their interests, passions and life skills.
MR GUPTA: Minister, how is the government accounting for population growth in Canberra through investing in Canberra public schools?
MS BERRY: As Canberra grows, the government is making sure that schools grow with it. Every child has the right to access education and the government is making sure that this right is equally ensured for every young person. The government knows that education is an invaluable investment into the future of our community and is making sure that there is space for every child who seeks a place at their local school.
An important part of our efforts to account for increased student enrolments in ACT public schools is to expand its schools and build new schools. Over the past couple of budgets the government has allocated more than $50 million to expand schools, particularly in Mr Gupta’s electorate of Yerrabi, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. The government is also building new schools and making permanent expansions where required.
The government kicked off its election commitment to expand Franklin Early Childhood School with transportable buildings, temporarily. Following the 2019 budget, the government is now getting on with work on a $29.5 million construction of permanent buildings that will allow children to stay at this great school all the way to year 6.
In addition, as members will recall, the government opened a new primary school in Taylor, Margaret Hendry School, at the start of 2019. Over the coming years, the government has planning underway to construct new schools in Throsby, to open at the start of 2022, and east Gungahlin, due to open the year after.
MS CODY: Minister, what infrastructure upgrades has the government completed or is it planning for Canberra’s south-side schools?
MS BERRY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary. In Ms Cody’s electorate on the south side, the government is significantly investing in school infrastructure, including upgrades, expansions and new schools. Every single south-side school has received infrastructure investments.
Work will soon begin on a new primary school to open in Denman Prospect at the beginning of 2021, with $47 million allocated in the 2018 budget. The school will cater for more than 600 students, with space for future growth. The government is also undertaking planning and feasibility work for a future year 7 to 10 campus. The government is making sure that school facilities are also available to the wider community. Yesterday I was joined by Ms Cody, Mr Steel and you, Madam Speaker,
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