Millions contracted for toilet upgrades across Victoria

More than $3.3 million has been contracted by the state government for school toilet upgrades, in what one MP is calling a questionable use of taxpayer funds.

How much does it cost to renovate a primary school toilet block? About as much as it costs to build two brand-new houses, if you’re the Victorian government.

And the price tag for upgrades to existing toilet facilities has raised questions about responsible use of taxpayer money, with one parent advocacy group calling for greater investment in regional and rural schools.

One East Gippsland primary school has contracted work of more than $400,000 for male and female toilet upgrades.

Analysis of the state government’s tender website shows a number of regional schools have contracted work for upgrades, including:

Bairnsdale West Primary School: $408,784 for male and female toilet upgrade;

Penshurst Primary School: $162,212 bathroom or toilet upgrade;

Mandama Primary School: $404,253 bathroom or toilet upgrade;

Bolinda Primary School: $459,602 refurbishment of school students toilet facilities.

In comparison, construction company Metricon was advertising online construction of four bedroom family homes across regional Victoria – including in Gippsland – for less than $225,000.

A Bairnsdale builder, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a standard 2.4 home could be constructed for about $270,000.

Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said investment in government schools, particular in regional and remote Victoria, was of paramount importance, but at a responsible cost.

“We want to get the biggest bang from the government buck, whether federally or from the state, but not at the detriment of regional and rural schools,” Ms McHardy said.

“Because of their location, they’re already on the back foot.

“Investment in public facilities has to be the number one priority...we want the best out of the dollar, and that should not be at the detriment of regional and rural schools that need it the most.”

Gippsland East member Tim Bull said while upgrades were “badly needed”, questions must be raised regarding the amount being spent on existing toilet infrastructure, while other infrastructure such as healthcare and regional roads are neglected.

“We’ve got a number of schools that need upgrades, not to mention the roads, the health system … that’s not mentioning the (state government’s) debt,” Mr Bull said.

“What concerns me, is if this wasn’t a government contract, and it was private enterprise doing this, you’d be staggered it was going to cost this much.”

A Victorian government spokesperson said grants were provided for small building projects “that make a big difference in our schools, delivering Victorian students the first-class facilities they deserve”.

“This includes refurbishing student toilets at schools to be more pleasant, and improve cleanliness and hygiene, with this work supported by our capital works fund,” the spokesperson said.