By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A $3 million sci-tech boost has been announced for St John’s Regional College in Dandenong.

The State Government announced the funding for the college’s Junior STEM Centre during a visit by Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams on 10 December.

“We have made investment in local schools our priority, from Lyndale Secondary and Dandenong High, to Dandenong West Primary, and others,” Ms Williams said.

“This exciting announcement means more great facilities that will enable local students to thrive.”

The grant is part of the Government’s $402 million Non-Government Schools Capital Fund over four years.

The Government has announced a fast-tracked planning permit process for the fund’s recipient schools.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne, rather than local councils, will be the responsible authority for the permit applications.

The fund covers projects such as building new schools, upgrading school facilities and asbestos removal.

Education Minister James Merlino said more than a third of Victorian students went to non-government schools, and would share in the “record” investment.

“Every student deserves access to modern school facilities.”