The Andrews Labor Government will invest $2.1 million in brand new buildings for Latrobe Valley schools.

Minister for Education James Merlino made the announcement today during a visit to Yallourn North Primary School.

Yallourn North Primary School will receive $1.5 million and Moe South Street Primary School $600,000 for the demolition of old asbestos-ridden facilities and the construction of new buildings.

The building at Yallourn North Primary School, which currently contains staff administration and the general office, staff toilets, sick bay, art room, classrooms and library, will be demolished and replaced.

At Moe South Street Primary School the building that will be demolished and replaced is currently being used for staff resources and classrooms.

These two schools are the first to benefit from an additional $85 million in funding in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to install modular buildings in 30 schools where asbestos is being removed.

As part of the Asbestos Removal Program, poor condition buildings containing asbestos will be demolished and replaced with permanent modular buildings. This will reduce planning and building times, and mean less disruption to students, staff and teaching programs.

Today’s announcement builds on the more than $40 million already invested in school infrastructure over the past three state budgets.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“This announcement builds on the more than $40 million we have already invested in school upgrades across Latrobe Valley. In contrast, the former Liberal Government didn’t fund a single school upgrade in four years”

“We are improving school infrastructure across the Latrobe Valley so every student has the opportunity to get the most out of their education.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We are improving the safety and amenity of Latrobe Valley Schools by removing asbestos and making sure our schools are safe and fit for purpose.”

“The use of modular buildings allows us to remove dangerous asbestos with less disruption to our schools, a positive outcome for local students, teachers and staff.”