Marong Kinder works underway

CONSTRUCTION of the new Marong Kindergarten is now officially underway.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards turned the first sod last week at the site of the $5.5 million project.

The kinder will provide places for 99 pupils with three classrooms, two allied health rooms, staff facilities, an outdoor play area, kitchen facilities and bathroom amenities.

Cr Metcalf said the new State Government-funded building has been designed using environmentally sustainable standards and is the first of a planned two-stage project to establish a community hub complex bordered by High, Torrens and Cathcart streets.

“Stage two of the project, which is currently unfunded, plans to provide flexible community multi-purpose buildings and spaces,” she said.

“I’ve always said it’s very easy to take money from both State and Federal governments on behalf of the City. $5.5 million is a wonderful amount but it is only stage one, so we’ll just give you a little hint there might be a further ask even further down the track.”

Ms Edwards said investing in this type of infrastructure now is key to the future of the area.

“We know that Marong is a fast growing part of our community and the population here is expected to increase substantially over the next 10, 15, 20 years,” she said.

“We know how important early learning is, there’s no question about that, so building a new facility here to accommodate these young learners is (crucial).”