By Alana Mitchelson
OFFICER’S Gum Scrub Creek Primary School has received a $1.2 million capital grant to create an integrated children’s centre as part of the new development.
The Aspect Estate site will provide an early learning facility for 109 pre-school children.
Its facilities will include a maternal health centre, consultation rooms, kindergarten facilities, after hours care, early childhood intervention services and a ’community room’.
Cardinia Shire Council has contributed additional funding towards the State Government project.
The integrated facility would bring a range of maternal and child health, and family services under the one roof to help meet the growing demand for early education and care in the region.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Daniel Mulino said the government was focused on giving children a “strong start“ in life.
“Our local area has experienced a significant baby boom in recent years. Investments like this will pay enormous dividends to Cardinia Shire families for years to come,” Mr Mulino said.
“High-quality early years of education and care are vital to giving every child the best start in life.
“The State Government is helping more Cardinia families access kindergarten closer to home. We’re ensuring that children have access to early childhood services no matter where they live.”
Victoria has experienced unprecedented population growth, with an expected increase of 300,000 new students by 2031.
There are 417 births in the region per quarter and five new families move into the shire each day.
Gum Scrub Creek Primary School is currently in the design phase, with construction due to be completed by the end of the year.
It is being designed to accommodate long-term student enrolments of 475 students, with a peak enrolment of up to 900 students.
The school will house a full-sized indoor recreation hall with netball and basketball court lines, utilising the nearby public reserve.
Some $13 million was allocated towards the Officer development in the 2016-’17 State Budget.
Gum Scrub Creek Primary School is one of 12 new schools to be built across the state before 2018.
