By Luke Voogt
State Government has refused to step in over a $3.1 million cost blowout that has short-changed Chilwell Primary School of a planned two-storey redevelopment.
The refusal comes as Labor moves to protect the seat of Geelong, where the school is located, against an election challenge from high-profile ex-mayor Darryn Lyons.
Education Minister James Merlino declined to address the funding shortfall, order a re-assessment of the project, or explain the cost rises.
“All school communities have infrastructure projects that they would like to undertake,” he said.
“We need to responsibly balance and prioritise the needs of over 1500 government schools in Victoria, all in varying condition.”
State Government allocated $2.4 million in its 2017-2018 budget for the school and in July 2017 appointed a Melbourne building company to design a new building.
Original planning material indicated demolition costs and a total price of $2,409,967 for a two-storey rebuild, the Indy revealed last week.
But a series of cost rises caused Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) to eventually offer a “complete refurbishment” of the existing aged wing instead.
Mr Merlino’s “inaction“ left school council president Phil Joyce “truly astounded”.
“The Victorian Government in this case do not want to hear from the community,“ he said.
Replacing the “asbestos-riddled” wing was “vital” as the school neared its maximum enrolment of 400 to 425, Mr Joyce said.
“The costing has risen… to $5.5 million in June this year with no explanation to school or its community whatsoever.”
The school’s council obtained a quote, seen by the Indy, for a two storey rebuild from a prominent Geelong building company within the $2.4 million budget.
“We want to make sure we get the best value for money,” Mr Joyce said.
“The last time we got funding of this nature was back in 2003 and before that 1970.”
The refusal comes after State Government intervened when unexpected costs threatened $21.2 million of projects at Geelong High School and Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens recently secured an extra $3 million for both projects to aid with asbestos removal.
“I have been a strong advocate for my local schools, delivering upgrades for schools right across Geelong,” she said.
Shadow education minister Tim Smith slammed Ms Couzens and Mr Merlino.
“Labor have ignored this school and its concerns,” he said.
Mr Smith declined to commit extra funding but promised to “have a good look” at the project if the coalition won office in the 24 November election.
“It’s clearly been completely bungled,” he said.
“Parents and the school community need some answers.”
In a statement last week Mr Lyons vowed to fix the “bureaucratic bungle” quickly and efficiently if elected.
“It’s our kids’ futures we’re looking at here. Nothing is more important.”
