Monday, 18 May 2020

Students and families in Lilydale and the Upper Yarra region will have world-class facilities to learn in thanks to an additional investment of more than $12.7 million by the Victorian Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced funding for the next stage of the Lilydale and Upper Yarra Education Plan – which includes projects at Lilydale High School, Lilydale Heights College, and Upper Yarra Secondary College – bringing the total investment in the three schools to $33.2 million.

Lilydale High School will receive $3.2 million to deliver the next stage of upgrades at the school, including the refurbishment of buildings, new outdoor learning spaces, and demolition of the old administration building – the school previously received $5.8 million to rebuild its Zoology Learning Centre with new administration facilities.

Lilydale Heights College will receive a further $5.4 million to refurbish its library, administration facilities, and toilets – the school previously received $8 million to build a new gymnasium and a Sustainable Learning Hub which included science and technology classrooms, as well as landscaping works for the town square.

Upper Yarra Secondary College will receive $4.1 million to refurbish the Integrated Technology Learning Building and demolition works – the school previously received $6.2 million to build an Outdoor Environment Centre and establish an outdoor learning space.

This project is part of the Victorian Government’s Building Works package, which will deliver $2.7 billion in shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work across our state.

The package includes a $1.18 billion education building program will also build new schools, deliver and refurbish relocatable classrooms and make schools more accessible for students and staff with disabilities.

Together, the projects will create space for more than 21,000 extra students in Victoria’s education system and create more than 1,600 local construction jobs in communities across Victoria.

This $1.18 billion education building program is in addition to the $6.1 billion invested by the Victorian Government on delivering school upgrades since 2014, supporting more than 7,500 construction jobs for Victorians.

The Victorian Government is building the Education State so everyone can get a great education, no matter their background or where they live.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We’re investing record funding in education so all Victorians, regardless of their background or circumstances, get a world-class education.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

 “We’re delighted to announce funding for the latest stage of the Lilydale and Upper Yarra Education Plan. This plan has been designed with the local community and it will help local schools work together with a new focus on subjects and issues that will help students get rewarding jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“These upgraded facilities will give students the modern learning environments they need to deliver the 21st-century education they deserve.”