Andrews Government unveils $515 million school maintenance package
Walls will be painted and windows replaced when Victoria’s 1500 public schools undergo a massive facelift, as part of an unprecedented $515 million maintenance blitz.
Education
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All of Victoria’s 1500 government schools will be upgraded in an unprecedented $515 million maintenance blitz.
The funding boost, announced by Deputy Premier James Merlino this morning, will help primary and secondary state schools with painting, replacing windows and carpets, landscaping, tree inspections and water service works.
It comes as an extra 115,000 students are expected to enter the state’s 36,000 school buildings over the next five years.
On average, all government schools are expected to receive a 50 per cent boost to their maintenance budgets.
“Every single one of Victoria’s more than 1,500 state schools will benefit from this investment. We are building 100 new schools, but we’re also looking after existing buildings we have,” Mr Merlino said.
“Sometimes it’s the little things that can have a really big impact. From fixing leaky taps to a new lick of paint — this investment will help every child, in every state school, right across Victoria.”
The boost is part of the state government’s commitment to boost its share of school funding in an agreement with the Commonwealth.
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Mr Merlino and Northcote MP Kat Theophanous unveiled the package at Croxton Special School, which will receive $170,000.
The total school maintenance budget will now increase to more than $300 million in this financial year, and $290 million next year.
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