Mary Doyle (Aston, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last Wednesday I had the privilege of officially opening a new middle school teaching and learning centre at Heritage College Knox in Ferntree Gully, a moment that stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when vision, collaboration and investment in education come together with a clear purpose. This new facility represents far more than just bricks and mortar. Backed by $1,765,800 in federal government funding through the Capital Grants Program, it is a tangible commitment to the future of young Australians.

The centre itself is a testament to contemporary educational design. With modern general learning areas and flexible breakout spaces, it has been carefully crafted to support the diverse needs of today's learners and teachers. These are spaces that encourage collaboration, adaptability and the creative skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world. Here learning is not confined to rows of desks. It can be indoors, but can also adapt to include the outdoors. It is dynamic, interactive and student centred.

Importantly, the impact of this investment extends well beyond the students who will walk through its doors this year. It will benefit generations of learners to come—young people who will carry forward the knowledge, skills and confidence nurtured within these walls. In that sense, this project is not just about today; it is about shaping the future. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of the principal, Ms Maureen Theobald, and the teachers, staff and leadership at Heritage College Knox. Facilities like this are only as powerful as the people who bring them to life. It is their passion, expertise and unwavering commitment to their students that truly define the strength of this school community. Our government firmly believes that every student, no matter their postcode, deserves access to high-quality education and the resources necessary to reach their full potential.

Investing in our future is not limited to classrooms alone. It also means building the infrastructure that supports thriving connected communities. This brings me to another important matter from my electorate and to why I would like to update the House on the progress of the Henderson Road and Ferntree Gully Road intersection upgrade, an essential project for our local road network and a clear example of infrastructure keeping pace with community growth. This upgrade, supported by $14.3 million in Australian government funding, is being delivered in two stages.

Stage 1, completed in November 2023, focused on improvements to the Henderson Road and Kelletts Road intersection in Rowville. It's already delivering meaningful benefits to local traffic flow and safety. Now, at the other end, stage 2 is underway in Knoxfield, targeting the busy intersection of Henderson Road and Ferntree Gully Road. This is a critical junction in a rapidly growing area, and the works being undertaken will significantly improve how people move through it each day. Once completed, the upgraded intersection will feature new and extended turning lanes to ease congestion, as well as a dedicated left-turn slip lane from Henderson Road into Ferntree Gully Road. These changes will reduce bottlenecks and improve travel time reliability, the value of which every commuter understands.

Equally important are the safety enhancements. The project includes upgraded pedestrian and bicycle crossings, as well as bicycle priority crossings and lanterns, ensuring that all road users, not just drivers, can move safely and confidently. A new traffic splitter island and improvements to kerb and channel infrastructure will further strengthen the functionality and safety of this intersection. A particularly significant improvement will be the removal of a redundant U-turn at Carrington Park. While seemingly small, changes like this play a crucial role in reducing conflict points and enhancing overall road safety. The benefits of this project are clear and far reaching. It will reduce congestion, shorten travel times and create safer conditions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. But, beyond those practical outcomes, it represents something larger. It reflects a commitment to planning and responding to the evolving needs of our community, because, ultimately, whether we are investing in schools or in roads, the goal is the same: to build communities where people can live, learn and play.

These are the investments that matter. These are the decisions that shape not just infrastructure but lives. I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is delivering them.

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