Wonthaggi Secondary College Principal Darren Parker, Education Minister James Merlino and Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, with local students at the official sod turning, to mark the start of construction of the new Junior Secondary Campus in San Remo.
Machinery was on-site and work was already underway on the new campus, which is due to open in 2022.
Future students from the four local primary schools, as well as students from Year 7 and 8 at Wonthaggi Secondary College were on hand to witness the official start of the new campus construction.
Bass Valley Primary students Bailey, Darcy, Millie and Sophie with teacher Jess Vanweynsberge (centre).
San Remo Primary Students Evie, Darcy and Luke (front), with Grace (back) and Principal Karen Bowker.
There were blue skies and plenty of smiles when the Minister for Education James Merlino arrived in San Remo to officially mark the start of construction of the new Junior Secondary School campus.
Although work was already well underway, Minister Merlino was keen to turn the symbolic "first sod", saying it was an exciting and important day for the local community.
Accompanied by students from four local primary schools - Bass Valley, Cowes, San Remo and Newhaven and Year 7 and 8 students from Wonthaggi Secondary College - who are all future students of the new campus, the Minister was also joined by the Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, Wonthaggi Secondary College Principal Darren Parker and representatives from Bass Coast Shire Council.
The new campus is located at the intersection of Potters Hill and Shetland Heights roads in San Remo and 400 students from years 7 - 9 are expected to attend when it opens in 2022.
The Minister admitted it had been a nervous 18 months waiting for the site of the new campus to be finalised, including finding the land and negotiating to secure the site before finally being able to begin construction.
He described the new campus as an "extraordinary" project.
"It's exciting for families across this region and it will cut travel times for local families."
He confirmed consultation was now underway for a new name for Wonthaggi Secondary College.
"It's important that we reflect the regional nature of this school," the Minister said.
When completed, the school will include an administration building and library, modern classrooms, separate specialists and innovation buildings, competition-grade gym, spaces for food technology, arts and music and outdoor sporting facilities.
Mr Merlino said it was great to have the students there to witness the start of the school construction, and he sympathised with how difficult the previous year had been.
"I know how tough it was last year," he said.
"We want to make this year the most fun and the best year you have ever had."
The new site is not without controversy, with nearby residents lobbying to have Shetland Heights Road sealed as part of the school project. So far, the government has only committed to sealing a section of Potters Hill Road.
Ms Crugnale said conversations were continuing between Vic Roads and Bass Coast Shire Council to find a solution to the Shetland Heights Road issues, which include safety concerns, dust from the unsealed roads, open drainage and lack of footpaths.
For full coverage of the event, see next week's Advertiser, out on February 17.
