The Andrews Labor Government is making sure every child gets the very best start in life, building and upgrading a record number of Victorian schools.
The $685 million investment, part of the Victorian Budget 2017/18, will go to improving classrooms, upgrading facilities and building new schools across the state, as well as creating local jobs.
As part of this year’s funding boost, $270 million will go towards building and expanding a further 13 schools, with funds allocated for planning, land acquisition and construction.
Another $195 million will go towards upgrading and modernising schools, over half of which are in regional Victoria. The projects include new classrooms, STEM facilities, gymnasiums and playgrounds at 59 regional schools and 49 metropolitan schools.
Students at six Victorian special schools will also get the facilities they deserve, thanks to $44.4 million in upgrades.
Additionally, schools with growing enrolments will be able to meet immediate demand thanks to $75 million for new relocatable classrooms.
The Budget also includes $5.8 million to boost school pride and sports participation, and $85 million to remove asbestos from our classrooms.
The funding brings the Labor Government’s total investment in our schools to more than $2.5 billion, including over 1 000 existing schools projects and 56 new schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Across our state, we want to make sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed.”
“This is another big Budget for our schools and our kids are worth every cent.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020