San Remo Primary School’s promised $5.3m funding from state government for infrastructure and facility upgrades falls through
Millions of dollars promised to a Bass Coast primary school have gone missing in the latest state budget.
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Millions of dollars promised to a Bass Coast primary school have gone missing in the latest state budget.
In the 2022 election campaign, the Victorian government pledged $850m to upgrade 96 schools — including $5.3m for San Remo Primary School.
The school received funding for a four-stage masterplan and was about to begin stage one which included a staffroom, reception area, student toilets and two new classrooms.
However, they did not receive the rest of their funding pledge in May’s state budget.
Families, students and staff say they are devastated as the school has not had any major upgrades in 16 years.
Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath demanded answers in parliament, saying the school deserved a “fit for purpose” modern educational facility.
“Labor pulling its promised funding has understandably blindsided the school community and thrown its upgrade plans into chaos,” Ms Bath said.
“The original school buildings are 140 years old — growing more decrepit as the days go by — students and teachers are accommodated in substandard portable classrooms.
“Despite the school being a shovel ready project with a master plan, architectural designs and being ready for tender — the Allan Government reneged on its commitment.”
Ms Bath said she met with school council president Josh Thomson to offer ongoing advocacy.
“I understand the school community’s significant disappointment — its meticulously planned construction time frames have been thrown into turmoil,” she said.
“There is also an impact on the school maintenance budget, with the school council compelled to spend money on dilapidated infrastructure that will still need to be replaced.
“The government’s failed commitment will see construction blow out to 2026 or beyond.”
Ms Bath said the school council had legitimate concerns “rapidly rising” building and construction costs would also impact its ability to deliver the upgrade.
A Victorian government spokesperson said plans to upgrade the school were progressing with the design team in order to complete tender documentation later this year.
“Planning funding allocated to San Remo Primary School in 2023 ensures that building work can begin as soon as possible once future construction funding is allocated,” the spokesperson said.
“The Victorian Government has already funded 67 of 96 school upgrades and has committed to funding the remaining projects in a future budget.”
In Round 8 of the Inclusive Schools Fund, the school received $76,484 to build an outdoor inclusive learning space that will open later this year.
A petition calling on the government to allocate funding to the school has received 507 signatures.
School council president Josh Thomson has been contacted for comment.
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