Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Beaufort Primary School site

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (18:37): (1378) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and it relates to the former site of the Beaufort Primary School located in Leichardt Street in Beaufort. The minister may recall that at the 2022 state election Labor promised $800,000 for a master planning process and stage 1 of development works at the site. At the time it was noted by the Pyrenees shire CEO Jim Nolan that there had been no timeline given for the commitment. That has been a significant problem because, quite frankly, nothing has happened at the site. It is extremely disappointing for the local community who were promised that the site would be rejuvenated. But with no accountability measure, like a simple timeline, to give some assurance to the Beaufort community locals are feeling fed up, angry, cheated and frustrated by the clear and evident lack of progress.

The buildings, which are heritage listed, are continuing to fall further into disrepair. Graffiti litters the precinct. There is broken glass and other hazards. Overgrown grass and other plants grow in what is left of the gutters on the dilapidated buildings. It is something I personally feel very strongly about because it is the place where I went to primary school as well. I am one of many former students, teachers and parents who grimace every time we go past the old primary school, left derelict and near ruined by this neglectful Labor government.

The member for Ripon, who appears to have little influence in the Labor government, is obviously confused about what this asset means to the community, and it is even clearer since the 2022 state election that that commitment had been given. There does not appear to be any willingness to actually make that commitment a reality. There are excited locals, now disillusioned, who believe that a community hub would come to fruition. There was a hope that the site could be a great hub to bring people together, perhaps for the purpose of creative pursuits, adult education purposes and to renew the sporting facilities there. Sadly, these hopes and dreams have been smashed by the Labor government and it does not look like it is going to happen at all.

The member for Ripon, as ineffectual as she may be, should at least try to influence the minister to ensure the government meets its promises. So my question is this: Minister, will you provide a comprehensive timeline, including key stages, orders of works, funding allocations for each stage, community consultation and feedback and a copy of the master plan when it is done to Parliament? We deserve answers, and the community at Beaufort are sick of being continually ignored and taken for granted by this neglectful Labor government.