Schools and hospitals in Melbourne’s west were the major winners from the 2022-23 state budget, with existing projects receiving major funding boosts.
Western Autistic School is one of 36 special schools in Victoria to share in almost $326 million in funding for upgrades.
The funding will allow the school to create modern, safe and high quality teaching spaces for the students.
The budget also includes $16 million for upgrades at Footscray High School’s Kinnear Street campus, $8 million for Footscray City Primary School, $4 million for Bayside P-12 College and close to $3 million for Altona College.
Education Minister James Merlino said kids can’t get “a first-rate education in a second-rate classroom.”
An extra $525 million will be put towards the new Footscray Hospital, which is set to open in 2025.
The hospital will be able to treat about 15,000 additional patients and enable around 20,000 more people to be seen by the emergency department each year.
As part of the Creative Infrastructure Program, Footscray Community Arts will share in $17.5 million given to small and medium-sized creative organisations.
Creative industries minister Danny Pearson said Victoria’s art galleries, museums and theaters are what brings thousands of people to the state every year.
“We’re backing Victoria’s multi-billion-dollar creative economy so it can keep delivering the jobs Victorians need and the cultural experiences they love.”
Molly Magennis
