Media Release

A Coalition Government will repair the former Croydon South Primary School site and allow local community groups to use the buildings and grounds, local MP for Kilsyth David Hodgett announced today.

A Baillieu Government has committed $200,000 to repairing the run down site, and will allow local groups to use the site until such time as its future is decided.

In the short time Croydon South has been closed, the site has decayed quite significantly due to vandalism and neglect. It is quite common for local schools to sit vacant for 6 to 7 years after being closed down under the Brumby Labor Government.

“This is a significant win for the local community,” Mr Hodgett said.

“Since day one, the Croydon South residents have maintained that some community benefit should be derived from the site. However, despite petitions, my calls in Parliament, local meetings and media campaigns, the Brumby Government has ignored the local community, refusing to listen to residents, leaving the place to rot.”

“Today’s announcement shows the Coalition’s commitment to Croydon South and to providing the local facilities our community deserves,” Mr Hodgett said.

“I see it as a huge win for the residents who have fought hard, that if elected on November 27, I can promise that a Coalition Government will immediately restore the site and open it up for community use.”

Several local community groups have approached Mr Hodgett about using the site, including local sporting clubs, volunteer groups and Croydon U3A.