THE Dodges Ferry Primary school community has wielded its power and secured millions of dollars from both major political parties, resulting in the much needed upgrade of the school.
The most generous promise is from the Liberals who promise to spend $25 million to implement the Masterplan if re-elected in majority.
Labor Leader and Lyons local Rebecca White has promised $20 million to complete stage one of the Masterplan. After a concerted campaign by the School Association, teachers and parents, the parties have promised to fund the upgrade over the next four years.
Labor Leader Rebecca White and Luke Doerner the developer behind the Dodges Ferry pool and local children.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff told the Sorell Times the upgrade would be in line with the Masterplan. “Education is the single most powerful driver for improving economic and social outcomes in Tasmania including health, life expectancy, happiness and productivity.’’ Mr Rockliff said.
“This major upgrade, which will be completed by 2028, will include new classrooms and modern learning spaces, toilets, facilities and staff areas, as well as a dedicated space for outside-of-school hours care.”
Both Mr Rockliff and Ms White thanked the school association for its continued advocacy and support for the important upgrades. “We are already investing a record $8.9 billion into government schools, skills and training, which includes the largest investment in education infrastructure in decades,” Mr Rockliff said.
Dodges Ferry swimming pool developer Luke Doerner with Liberal Jane Howlett and Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent.
“Our Liberal Government has significantly invested in education infrastructure over the past 10 years and we will continue to provide Tasmanian students with the contemporary facilities they need to thrive in school.
“Only a re-elected majority Liberal Government will provide Tasmanian students with the education infrastructure they need and deserve.”
Ms White said the Southern Beaches was a rapidly growing area “and with that growth comes the need to invest in the local school which is currently bursting at the seams’’.
“Labor is committed to seeing the Dodges Ferry Primary School upgraded and will invest $20 million to complete stage one of the Masterplan,’’ Ms White said.
“After 10 years of Liberal Government schools across Tasmania have been left neglected, and in some cases, classrooms are no longer fit for purpose. Labor will change that because our children are our future.’’
Late last month, the Dodges Ferry Primary School Association wrote to all political parties seeking a commitment to fund the Dodges Ferry Primary School Masterplan.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr Nicole Baxter said the school was much loved and had formed the heart of the community for more than three decades. “The current situation at the school is untenable, and the ensuing impacts on staff and students are significant,’’ Dr Baxter said.