Creating a new taskforce for macedon ranges students

The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to improve educational outcomes for students in the Macedon Ranges region with the formation of a new taskforce.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the Macedon Ranges Community Education Taskforce, following an independent report and local consultation which found that a proposed junior secondary school is not in the best interests of the Romsey community.

The newly formed taskforce, which met for the first time in Kyneton on September 12, will focus on working collaboratively with early childhood services and schools to strengthen the transition process for children and young people, as well as improving transport access to help students get to school.

The taskforce comprises of representatives from across the Macedon Ranges, including primary and secondary school principals, senior members of the Department of Education, a representative from the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network, as well as a member of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.

The formation of the taskforce follows a $3.2 million Labor Government budgetary commitment to upgrade Romsey Primary School to ensure local students have access to first-rate classrooms and facilities.

As part of this announcement was funding for an independent report to further investigate and plan long-term provisioning of school places across the Macedon Ranges, including the possibility of expanding Romsey Primary School to a P-9 model.

The report analysed a 2013 feasibility study, as well as demographic data and the results of community consultation in Romsey in late 2018 and found there was not sufficient demand for a junior secondary school given projected population growth and local demand.

The report recommended a taskforce be created to ensure successful transition and transport for all Macedon Ranges Children in their educational settings, as well as planning, when required, for any future expansion of curriculum provision.

The Department of Education and Training will continue to monitor demographics in the Romsey region to ensure the provision of primary and secondary education keeps up with local enrolment growth and population pressures.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"The Macedon Ranges Community Education Taskforce will consider the needs of the local community so we can offer the best educational options, in terms of transport and transition support."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"This is a great outcome for Romsey Primary School. It means that local students and teachers will have access to first-rate classrooms"