The Allan Labor Government is building on its record-breaking school infrastructure blitz - so that more growing communities across the state will have access to world-class education schools close to home.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced that land will be acquired for future schools and campuses for students including in Arden, City of Darebin, Casey and Melton - supported by $237.4 million of funding in the Victorian Budget 2025/26.
The Budget also delivers $411 million for new and expanded schools, including two new schools in Aintree and Officer to open in 2027, $321.7 million to upgrade 35 schools across Victoria, $342 million for maintenance and $25 million for small-scale projects through the Capital Works Fund.
In addition to this, the Budget invested $1 million for a feasibility study for a maths and science school in Melbourne's growing north-west, and $1.4 million for more after-hours recreational facilities at schools in Melbourne's west.
We said we would build 100 new schools by 2026, and we are on track to deliver all 100 next year. These new and expanded schools will build on the 100 and help meet growing enrolment demand, including in the inner city.
By 2051, Arden will be home to around 20,000 people - and with the new Arden Metro Tunnel Station opening in 2025, it's set to become one of Melbourne's most connected neighbourhoods.
As part of planning for future growth, the Victorian Budget 2025/26 is investing $1 million through the Precincts and Activity Centres Planning Fund to identify sites for new schools in areas experiencing population growth and aligning with new housing developments.
This is part of the Labor Government's plan to deliver more services in established suburbs - close to jobs, transport, homes, and services - giving more young people the chance to live near where they grew up and reducing future growth pressure on families in Melbourne's booming outer suburbs.
For more information, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"This is about planning for the future and delivering the schools our growing communities need, close to home and well-connected to public transport."
"Arden is one of Melbourne's newest and fastest-growing precincts - and we're making sure families moving into the area have access to a great local high school."
As stated by Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing
"Melbourne will be the size of London by the 2050s, and that's why we're investing in the neighbourhoods, homes, jobs, services and green spaces that our city needs."
"The new school for the Arden Precinct will be a wonderful addition to the inner city, and help us not just to manage growth, but to grow well."
"All over Victoria we are building connected and inclusive neighbourhoods where families can work, learn and thrive, closer to home."
