Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) by Simon Ruppert Premier Daniel Andrews visited Benalla P-12 College on Friday to discuss an $8.5 million upgrade to the school, which is part of a $2.5 billion investment in education announced by Labor. The premier was joined by Member for Northern Victoria and former student Jaclyn Symes on a tour of the schools Faithful St campus, taking part in a Q&A with students before presenting details of the investment to the gathered media. The $8.5 million investment will pay for much-needed upgrades, including a new senior learning centre, multi-purpose teaching spaces, new changing rooms, a weight room, and improved landscaping. Mr Andrews said work was set to begin by the end of the year and there would be a lot of construction at Benalla P-12 campuses throughout next year. Our aim is to have these important new buildings and upgraded facilities ready for students for the 2019 school year, Mr Andrews said. Benalla students deserve the best possible school facilities and thats just what we are delivering. Its not just about the kids . . . but it is also about creating jobs, this $8.5 million will move throughout the Benalla region. Local tradespeople (and) local businesses will be able to do this work and provide not only great outcomes for them, but obviously first-rate facilities for a first-rate education. The funding is part of a larger project funding education across the state, which plans to deliver 1000 school upgrades and 56 new school projects throughout Victoria. Ms Symes said she had been waiting a long time to start the redevelopment. Im very proud as a former student and as member for Northern Victoria to deliver for my home town, Ms Symes said. This Labor Government funding also ensures that Benalla P-12 can now start work on their additional stages to ensure the college is one of the most modern schools in the region. Our aim is to have these important new buildings and upgraded facilities ready for students for the 2019 school year.?