GAS CONNECTION WIN FOR BAIRNSDALE COLLEGE

Representations by Gippsland MP Peter Hall on behalf of the Bairnsdale Secondary College have proved successful, with the State Government this week agreeing to pay all costs associated with gas connection to the School.

The Nationals' MP raised the matter again in Parliament this week (Tuesday 6 June) and said he was delighted that Government had confirmed that the School would not have to contribute any of its own, locally raised funds for gas connection.

The win for the School comes after Mr Hall raised the matter with the Government in May.

"I was very concerned that the School was being asked to provide some $100,000 towards the cost of connection. I understand the cost of connection and installation of gas heaters is in the order of $300,000, with the Department providing $200,000 but asking the school community to pay for the balance of the up-front costs," Mr Hall said.

"I believe very strongly that the provision of basic infrastructure like heating should be fully paid for by the Government.

"I'm very pleased that the Minister has committed, in Parliament, to complete funding by the State Government."

Mr Hall said the Minister's exact words, as recorded in Hansard, were, 'It will be funded by the Victorian government; it will not have to be funded by the school.' In answer to another question, the Minister said: "I have informed the house that this will be totally paid for by the Government."

Mr Hall added that he would ensure the Minister kept to his promise.

"I am a little concerned that the Minister continues to use the figure of $200,000.00 as the Government contribution, however he has committed the Government to paying the whole cost of the conversion and for that I am pleased," Mr Hall said.

"As I said when I raised this matter last month, it is outrageous to expect locally raised funds to be put into this use; after all the State is far from cash strapped.

"I raised this matter in Parliament to try and force the Government into doing something about this case and I am pleased that we have achieved a positive outcome."

Mr Hall said he was now hoping that the works could be undertaken as quickly as possible.

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066 Mobile 0427 747 066.