MAINTENANCE BLITZ TO MAKE SCHOOLS IN MELTON SAFE
Melton Specialist School will receive a funding boost to undertake works as part of another maintenance blitz – making them safer, modern and more resilient in the face of bushfires.
Member for Melton Steve McGhie said the blitz – which includes repairing day to day wear and tear, external surface repainting and addressing roof issues – will soon get underway, as part of the Term 4 Planned Maintenance Program.
The program will see 76 schools across the state share in $8.875 million in funding for the works to take place, with Melton Specialist School receiving $30,000.
It also includes $6.020 million for Shelter In Place (SIP) bushfire facilities for 23 schools.
A SIP is a school’s nominated building, which serves as a temporary shelter for staff and students during a bushfire or until emergency services arrive, or as a shelter of last resort if there is insufficient time to evacuate.
The blitz will ensure all the schools are safe, modern and properly upheld in the face of bushfires and ahead of the warmer weather.
It comes in addition to the $11.24 million of funding allocated for more than 100 schools as part of the Term 3 Planned Maintenance Program – which focussed on works to grounds and classrooms, replacing floors and external landscaping works to pathways and lighting.
In the past eight years, the Andrews Labor Government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools and more than 1,850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.
The Labor Government is now ahead of schedule in opening 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024 – ensuring every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live.
Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie:
“This program will make sure that our students and teachers have access to the safe and modern learning environments they deserve.”
“From repairing day to day wear and tear to external surface repainting and addressing roof issues – this program will ensure Melton Specialist School is well maintained, safe and modern – as well as properly upheld in the face of bushfires and ahead of the warmer weather.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins:
“We’re ensuring every Victorian school is well maintained and safe – and this program will do just that. This latest maintenance blitz will make schools more resilient in the face of bushfires, as well provide the best possible environment for students to learn in.”
“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and staff, as well as students and families.”
