Monday 7 May 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $53.1 million in brand new buildings for 21 schools across Victoria.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced five schools across Gippsland will share in nearly $10.9 million as part of the of the Labor Government’s Asbestos Removal Program – Boisdale Consolidated School, Fish Creek & District Primary School, Foster Primary School, Newborough Primary School & Warragul North Primary School. This investment is on top of the amounts previously confirmed for school classroom upgrades and rebuilds in the 18/19 State Budget.

These schools will receive architect-designed permanent modular buildings, which offer a fast, modern and efficient solution for schools needing to replace older buildings containing asbestos that may pose a risk in the future.

The buildings are constructed off-site and delivered to schools, so that teaching is not interrupted. The Victorian School Building Authority will work with schools on building details such as colour and location.

Forty-seven schools are now receiving major upgrades as part of the program.

Since coming to government, the Labor Government has invested more than $3.8 billion to improve classrooms, upgrade facilities and build new schools across the state. This is in stark contrast to the Liberals and Nationals who left our schools to crumble and decay, while slashing $1 billion from our education system.

The Labor Government’s school building boom has delivered more than 1,300 school upgrades and 70 new school projects across the state, supporting more than 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians.

More information on the program is available at www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Quotes Attributable to Member for Eastern Harriet Shing;

“Unlike the Coalition, that closes schools and refuses to invest in upgrading facilities when it’s in government, we have invested record funding towards improving school infrastructure throughout Gippsland so that more students can learn and thrive in great facilities.”

“Using permanent modular buildings increases flexibility for schools and means they can get the buildings they need more quickly and with less disruption.”