Labor promises to build new primary school in Strathnairn

The new suburb of Strathnairn would have a new public primary school built if ACT Labor is re-elected. The west Belconnen school would be a zero-emissions campus catering for about 600 students. Construction would start in the first half of the next term of government and would cost about $45 million. Education Minister Yvette Berry said the new school would incorporate an early learning centre to support the commitment to providing one day of early learning to all three-year-old children within the next term of government.. "As people begin to move into Ginninderry, only a Labor government will make sure that there are excellent local public schools available for this establishing community," Ms Berry said. The first residents of Strathnairn moved into the new suburb on February 20 and another 150 homes are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Labor's school building and renewal plans would create and protect about 1200 local jobs. "Our city is facing a huge economic challenge, and creating jobs is our number one priority. We have a comprehensive plan to grow our employment base from 230,000 to more than 250,000 local jobs by 2025," he said. "A program of new schools across the city will also cater for the 400 teachers and support staff we will hire if re-elected." READ MORE: The party has signalled it would start planning more new schools in the West Belconnen region as Ginninderry grows. It comes after Labor promised $33 million to renovate Narrabundah College and $99 million for a school renewal program.