Tasmanian public schools share $6.5m for classroom, playground upgrades

Seventeen Tasmanian public schools will receive $6.5m in federal funding for crucial infrastructure upgrades. See the list of successful schools and how much they’ll get.

Seventeen Tasmanian public schools will receive $6.5 million federal funding for crucial infrastructure upgrades. Picture: File

Seventeen Tasmanian public schools will receive $6.5 million federal funding for crucial infrastructure upgrades, with a focus on schools in regional and remote areas of the state.

The funding allocations, which range from $250,000 to $700,000, will be used to upgrade classrooms, install new playground equipment, and improve existing sporting facilities as part of the federal government’s Schools Upgrade Fund.

Schools with the greatest needs were prioritised, particularly those with high numbers of students from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations, and students with disability.

The funding opportunity was available to all public schools, and the application period ended in February 2024.

Schools submitted their projects to their respective state and territory education departments, which then made recommendations to the federal government.

Federal Franklin MP Julie Collins said she welcomed the federal allocations for Tasmanian public schools.

“The Albanese Labor Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund is making a real difference to schools, teachers, and students in my electorate of Franklin and across Tasmania,” Ms Collins said.

“Whether it is funding to build new classrooms or a new multipurpose hall upgrade, like the one at Geeveston Primary School, everyone wins when local schools get more support so teachers and students can enjoy better facilities.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering better outcomes for Tasmanian schools.”

Federal Lyons MP Brian Mitchell said all students deserved a quality education with equal access to modern facilities.

“Every Tasmanian student deserves access to a quality education, including quality facilities to learn in and play on,” Mr Mitchell said.

“From upgrading classrooms to new outdoor equipment, this funding from the federal Labor government will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most.

“This is another important step in building a better and fairer education system.”

Successful Tasmanian public schools and their funding allocations:

• Cape Barren Island School, Cape Barren Island: $250,000

• Clarendon Vale Primary School, Clarendon Vale: $400,896

• Dover District School, Dover: $450,000

• East Devonport Primary School, East Devonport: $285,000

• Fairview Primary School, New Norfolk: $250,000

• Geeveston Primary School, Geeveston: $300,000

• Huonville High School, Huonville: $250,000

• JRLF – Gagebrook Primary School, Gagebrook: $350,000

• JRLF – Herdsmans Cove Primary School, Herdsmans Cove: $400,000

• Mountain Heights School, Queenstown: $500,000

• New Norfolk High School, New Norfolk: $500,000

• Parklands High School, Burnie: $396,000

• Rokeby Primary School, Rokeby: $250,000

• Sprent Primary School, Sprent: $340,000

• Triabunna District School, Triabunna: $500,000

• West Ulverstone Primary School, West Ulverstone: $700,000

• Zeehan Primary School, Zeehan: $365,000

Originally published as Tasmanian public schools share $6.5m for classroom, playground upgrades