A NUMBER of schools in Bendigo were the big winners in the lead-up to last year's state election, and they could be the big winners when the new government hands down its first budget on Tuesday.
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At last year's election launch, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said education was their "number one priority". Tuesday would be the opportunity to set out a clear plan to achieving Bendigo's goals.
Labor promised planning for the $5.7 million rebuild of Epsom Primary School would start this year, along with a $1 million pledge to improve Kalianna School.
They also promised $6 million to refurbish Block C at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, to help remove portable classrooms.
TAFE was preparing to submit a business case for a new $7.8 million animal studies centre at the Charleston Road Campus, with construction to begin in this term of government.
The largest of the promises - a $10 million technical college in Bendigo - would see the re-introduction of the schools phased out under a previous Labor government.
Funding to help in the rolling out of rail stock for the Regional Rail Link, and Bendigo Metro Rail, could also benefit the city - a promise the Greens believe is "the bare minimum required get it operational".
Haven; Home, Safe chief executive Ken Marchingo said the more infrastructure in the budget, the better, to help keep the housing industry moving in Bendigo.
He said education and health needed to be the number one priorities as schools "struggled to even put paper in the photocopiers or afford to send children on excursions".
Properly funding the new Bendigo hospital was also a priority, but Mr Marchingo was expecting a "modest budget".
Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said she understood the school package would be delivered.
"I'm also looking forward to more industry planning, particularly in those areas that are expanding in our region like renewable energy, high-tech and innovative industries," she said.
Funding is also expected to flow to the planned aquatic centre in Kangaroo Flat and to Bendigo Stadium.
Labor announced $5 million to the stadium to include 3000 permanent seats and new courts, with planning promised to start "straight away".
The City of Greater Bendigo hoped both projects would receive the required funding in the budget.