General News
21 June, 2023
Maintenance funds for schools
STUDENTS in Victoria will have better school environments to learn and succeed in, with the Victorian government funding key maintenance projects at schools right across the state.
STUDENTS in Victoria will have better school environments to learn and succeed in, with the Victorian government funding key maintenance projects at schools right across the state.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced 13 local schools are among more than 350 Victorian schools to embark on a maintenance blitz in coming weeks – with $13.5 million allocated through the Planned Maintenance and Bushfire Preparedness programs, ensuring more schools have the support they need to deliver essential works and repairs every school requires.
Forty-eight schools across the state will share in $5.32 million in planned maintenance funding for more than 95 projects, with important works including stormwater management, lighting maintenance and structural repairs.
Schools in the region to receive funding include:
• Hampden Specialist School - $81,662;
• Simpson Primary School - $24,915;
• Derrinallum P-12 College - $28,960; and
• Timboon P-12 School - $31,970.
Nearly 325 schools have been allocated a total of more than $8.2 million for vegetation clearing and activities that reduce the risk of harm from a bushfire, providing a safer environment for students and the beating heart of communities across the state.
The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority issues, with the funding stream ensuring every school has the resources to ensure a safe, modern, and properly maintained environment.
“I’m really pleased to see these schools receive funding that will see them get some maintenance projects off the ground,” Ms Tierney said.
“I know just how much these upgrades will be appreciated by the local school communities.
“Sometimes it’s the little things that can have a really big impact.
“Whether it’s clearing vegetation that will help mitigate the risk of fire, to repairing day to day wear and tear to external surfaces - we’re making sure our schools are safe and comfortable, giving our students the best possible settings to learn and succeed in.”
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said every student should have access to a great school no matter where they live, that’s why we’re supporting local schools with the resources they need to make a difference to the educational outcomes of students across the state.
“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering for our hard-working school communities, while ensuring that right here in Victoria we continue to be recognised as the nation’s education state,” she said.
In the past nine years, the Andrews Labor Government has invested $14.9 billion to build new schools and deliver more than 1940 school upgrades.