McCurdy acknowledges progress on Yarrawonga College P–12 but questions remain

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says confirmation that Yarrawonga College P–12 will receive $9.29 million in the upcoming State Budget brings some long-awaited progress after more than a decade of advocacy.

Mr McCurdy said he has been fighting for the completion of Stage 3 since 2014, with the project now stretching beyond 15 years.

“It’s a relief to finally see funding committed after so many years of pushing for this project,” Mr McCurdy said.

“However, serious questions remain about whether this funding will be enough and what exactly it will deliver.”

Mr McCurdy said previous estimates in 2022 put the cost of completing Stage 3 at $18 million, with current projections now expected to exceed $20 million.

“On face value, it appears the project may have been short-changed, which raises real concerns about whether this funding will deliver the full Stage 3 redevelopment,” he said.

“Our community has already waited long enough. This is about the future of our children, it’s not something we should be compromising on.”

Mr McCurdy said he will continue to seek clarity from the Government to ensure the project is properly completed.

“We need to make sure this funding finishes the job, not just part of it,” he said.