BY DAKOTA TAIT
The Hunter's welcoming a cash splash on local schools in the Treasurer's latest state budget.
Matt Kean handed down the spending commitments on Tuesday afternoon, with big focuses on families, women, as well as skills and emerging industries.
The Newcastle Education Campus project has been allocated $16.6 million in the next budget, although only $862,000 of last year's $5.6 million allocation was spent.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is welcoming the commitment for a much-needed update at Newcastle High School, but says he'll be keeping a close eye on the project to see the results.
Meanwhile, Hunter River High School will receive $5.6 million for major refurbishments, with Irrawang High School receiving a similar $5 million.
In Maitland, Gillieston Public School has been promised $1.7 million toward a major redevelopment, following lobbying by parents, carers, and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, as well as a visit from a parliamentary committee and Upper House MP Mark Latham.
Ms Aitchison says it's a welcome move, but it's disappointing it's taken 12 years for the school to score a "drop in the bucket".
She says she's hoping to see more details on the extent and timeframe of the redevelopment works.
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| Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has raised concern Newcastle High School is in need of serious refurbishment. |
