- Published:
- Monday 21 June 2021
More than 500 schools across the state will be supported in getting essential maintenance and bushfire-ready works off the ground, thanks to the Victorian Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced 282 government schools will share in $12.48 million in Term 2 funding for projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
The program ensures schools can undertake essential work to grounds and classrooms such as fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as external landscaping works like pathways and lighting.
The funding is on top of $10.4 million already provided to 230 schools through Term 1 PMP allocations and ensures existing buildings at Victoria’s 1,500 state schools are safe, modern and properly maintained.
Over 300 government schools will share in funding from the $9.15 million Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program for 2021-22.
The program was introduced in 2018 to assist schools in undertaking essential vegetation clearance works around the perimeter of school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools to receive funds are among those identified as being at risk and listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR). They are required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to mitigate the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
In the past seven years, the Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino
“Investing in maintenance works means schools can tend to those essential projects that will make sure our students and teachers have access to safe and modern learning environments.”
“We are ensuring all Victorian schools are in top condition, which is why we are funding the maintenance projects that matter most.”
“We know how ferocious bushfires are and their devastating impacts, that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program.”