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Tuesday 12 May 2026
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Funding boost for primary school Mornington Park Primary School is among 31 Victorian government schools that will share in $294.8m for upgrade and modernisation works. The school will receive $331,000 for its upgrade and modernisation works, with the project due for completion by 31 March 2028. “As a small community school, we are delighted to receive this funding to support important upgrades across our facilities,” said Mornington Park Primary School principal Kathleen Lord. “These improvements will help us create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, while also enhancing the overall appearance of our school for students, staff and the wider community.” The broader schools capital package announced in the state budget also includes $761.8m for new and growing schools across Victoria, $216.7m for high-quality modular classrooms and buildings, $104m to acquire land for future schools in high-growth areas, and $28.8m to improve access for students with disability and additional needs. Sarah Halfpenny
MORNINGTON Park Primary School assistant principal (Stacie McCullough), and principal (Kathleen Lord) have welcomed the funding news. Picture: Gary Sissons
Developer apologises as Mornington traffic woes escalate Raia Flinos raia@mpnews.com.au THE private developer responsible for roadworks on Nepean Hwy in Mornington has issued a statement apologising for the significant disruptions caused, while Padua College has called for an “immediate review of the current traffic arrangements” after further traffic restrictions were introduced last week,
impacting their 2000 students and 300 staff. In a letter seen by The News, the developer of the factory complex next to Bata Shoes, Neue Space, said they “sincely apologise for the disruption and frustration” experienced by the community and recognised the “real and tangible impact on people’s daily lives”. The works, which involve construction of a new slip lane to service the development, are required under
a planning permit and have been approved by the shire and the Department of Transport. The developer confirmed the lane closure is necessary to ensure the safety of road users and construction workers and that the anticipated 22 June completion date reflects an already condensed schedule. They said it wouldn’t be possible to complete the works in a shorter time frame without compromising safety, quality, or regulatory compliance.
The statement added the affected lane is unable to be opened outside of work hours due to continuous concrete barriers which have been installed. Neue Space did say they are actively working with construction partners and relevant authorities to fast-track elements and improve efficiency where possible. “Should any safe and feasible options emerge to shorten the duration or reduce impacts, we will pursue
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them immediately,” the statement read. The apology comes amid growing complaints from the community. As previously reported by The News, the Nepean Hwy lane closure has coincided with several other major roadworks in the area, which has compounded delays and placed pressure on local road networks (Multiple road closures create traffic chaos, The News 28/4/26). Continued Page 8