By ALANA MITCHELSON
EMERALD Primary School launched its new facilities last week, including the unveiling of a new basketball stadium.
A $6.5M state grant has helped build 10 new classrooms, a new administration centre, staffroom, student toilets, art room, library, canteen and music room.
The $1.5 million indoor recreation hall, funded federally, would be the new home base and training centre for the Emerald Lakers Basketball Club.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said the new buildings had come as a result of years of persistence from school principal Mark Carver.
“If it weren’t for the efforts of the principal, the school may not have received these grants. Since 2010, he has pushed and pushed until these facilities were funded,” Mr Battin said.
“Prior to this, the school has only had access to an outdoor basketball court. The surface is uneven and I don’t think anyone would want to play on that.
“This basketball stadium will not only benefit the kids, but there is a long-term benefit to the community as well.”
