RELATED: Kalianna gets 4200 supporters

THE Labor Party has pledged $1 million to the redevelopment of Kalianna Special School.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards made the announcement at a school assembly.

Principal Peter Bush welcomed the commitment, saying it would fund a master plan for a new school.

"I'm very excited by the announcement," he said.

"It's something we've been working really hard towards since I started here 12 months ago.

"The current facilities are very old ... our classrooms are not purpose-built, our multipurpose room is not big enough ... we haven't got a gym big enough.

"After this announcement we'll be able to start planning."

Ms Edwards said school facilities were beyond repair and the money would allow the school to pay for new buildings.

She said the school community presented her with a petition containing 4200 signatures requesting new facilities last month, which she tabled in parliament.

"It's not just the school community ... but the broader community in Bendigo that expects good facilities for kids with special needs and that's why we're making the announcement today," she said.

"Kalianna is a great school and Labor's plan will help it do so much more."

Mr Bush said parents at the school had been instrumental in lobbying for better buildings.

"The parents have spoken loudly," he said.

He said he was hopeful the Victorian Coalition would match Labor's pledge.

"We would love a commitment from the Napthine government," he said.

"At this stage we haven't heard anything from the Napthine government."