Home » News » Schools big winners in the budget

Schools big winners in the budget

Schools in Whittlesea and Hume are the big winners in today’s Victorian state budget.

Three schools in Whittlesea and two in Hume have received funding for upgrades, and in some cases, rebuilds.

Lalor Secondary College has received $26.2 million to rebuild and revitalise aging buildings, with many of them built in the 1960s.

Mickleham Primary School pupils will soon have new classrooms, with funding allocated to rebuild the school.

More than $21 million has been allocated in the state budget to acquire land and rebuild the school on an expanded site.

Mill Park Secondary College will receive $11.6 million to build a new 200-seat performing arts centre for the school.

The Jacana School for Autism received $10 million, while $8.2 million has been allocated to Peter Lalor College.

Land will be acquired in Hume for the building of the new Merrifield West Secondary College.

Health, transport and roads projects have also been funded in the budget.

Funding has been provided to acquire land and continue capital planning and design for the community hospitals program, including in the Whittlesea municipality.

The hospital in the municipality was announced in 2018, with work expected to begin in 2022.

The hospital will offer pathology, imaging, pharmacy services, dental services, mental health treatment and community-based palliative care.

As announced earlier this month, $868.6 million will be spent on mental health services.

Northern Hospital will receive a brand new standalone Mental Health facility delivering 30 additional mental health beds.

An additional $18.9 million is provided for 35 acute treatment beds.

The Mickleham Road and Aitken College intersection in Greenvale will be upgraded, but there was no funding for the duplication which Hume council is calling for.

Planning will progress further for the Bulla Bypass with $6.5 million allocated to help deliver the much-needed road.

There will also be funding to accelerate the delivery of a new bus service connecting Mernda and Craigieburn.

The suburban revitalszation and growth fund will receive another $20 million. Funding is being provided to continue projects at both Broadmeadows and Frankston.

The Plenty Gorge public space will receive upgrades, with $52 million to be spent on maintaining and upgrading visitor at parks and open spaces facilities across Victoria.

Digital Editions


  • Skate park takes air

    Skate park takes air

    The new Olivine Skate Park in Donnybrook has officially opened, offering a vibrant space for local young people and families to enjoy. The park’s opening…

More News

  • Hume’s unenforceable housing guide

    Hume’s unenforceable housing guide

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council has adopted a new Medium Density Housing Design Guide – but it can’t be enforced. Adopted at the 23 February council…

  • Places of worship tour celebrates harmony

    Places of worship tour celebrates harmony

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535319 To celebrate Harmony Week, councils across the north have banded together to take community members on a bus tour to various places of…

  • Kavanagh returns to EDFL

    Kavanagh returns to EDFL

    Former West Coast Eagle Kayley Kavanagh will return to where it all began, becoming the latest former AFLW player to sign with an Essendon District Football League women’s club. Strathmore…

  • Cannons boys squad released

    Cannons boys squad released

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 471376 The Calder Cannons have revealed their under-18 boys squad for the Talent League season. Players from 20 clubs have been named in the…

  • $4.5 billion airport upgrade

    $4.5 billion airport upgrade

    A $4.5 billion expansion is on the cards for Melbourne Airport’s international terminal. Melbourne Airport said the expansion incorporates several projects, including an expansion of both international check-in and baggage…

  • Festival set to light up Craigieburn

    Festival set to light up Craigieburn

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 535661 Hume’s iconic Craigieburn Festival is returning to Anzac Park again this year, promising a day of family fun and entertainment. The festival will…

  • Illegal dumpers to clean up their own mess

    Illegal dumpers to clean up their own mess

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council will look to set up Community Clean-Up Corps through Work for the Dole and community work programs to tackle illegal dumping…

  • Timber gets a second life

    Timber gets a second life

    Timber from trees felled as part of the Yan Yean Road upgrade and other natural materials removed as part of the project have been donated to schools and community groups.…

  • Severe thunderstorm warning issued

    Severe thunderstorm warning issued

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 253047 A severe thuderstorm warning and shelter indoors now alert has been issued for suburbs around Melbourne’s north-west. Residents in Sunbury, Sydenham, St Albans,…

  • Council backs plan to ease school traffic congestion

    Council backs plan to ease school traffic congestion

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 336543 Hume council has supported a plan to invest in marked parallel parking bays at schools to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Councillor…