Two new schools will open in Whittlesea and Hume in 2020, with the 2018-19 state budget to include more than $43 million for their construction.
The state government has announced funding of $24 million to build a third government secondary school in Craigieburn, to be known as Craigieburn South Secondary School.
It is not yet known where the school will be located, with land acquisition yet to be finalised.
The government will also spend $19 million on Beveridge West Primary School.
The new schools are part of a $353 million cash splash on 28 new schools for Victoria’s fastest-growing areas.
The government is also set to spend $6.78 million to bring forward stage two of works at Craigieburn’s Aitken Hill Primary School, which is due to open next year. The second stage will include a competition-sized indoor basketball court.
Education Minister James Merlino said the funding meant children in northern suburbs would be able to access schools closer to home.
“Building two new schools in Melbourne’s north will ensure we keep pace with the community’s booming population and give families certainty and peace of mind,” he said.
The budget will also include $3.8 million for the construction of a school hall with a new gym, music room and canteen at Lalor Gardens Primary School.
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said Lalor Gardens community should be proud of the campaign led by principal Anne Hulett to secure the funding.
“The Minister for Education, James Merlino, previously visited Lalor Gardens Primary School and was treated to some very impressive work from students explaining their need for a school hall,” she said.
