Friday, 27 November 2020

Students in Lilydale and the Upper Yarra region will soon have bigger, better classrooms and school facilities.

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Lilydale Heights College, Lilydale High School and Upper Yarra Secondary College to discuss the further $23.67 million investment for new and exciting school upgrades, as part of the Victorian Budget 2020/21.

Lilydale Heights Secondary College will receive an $11.3 million boost to upgrade and modernise their science and maths building and technology and arts building.

This is in addition to the $8 million upgrade already underway at the school, which will deliver facilities such as a Sustainable Learning Hub, new gym and ‘town centre’. Construction is also expected to start on $5.35 million worth of further upgrades next year.

Students and staff at Lilydale High School will enjoy a new library and refurbished classrooms, thanks to a new investment of $6.37 million.

Construction is already well underway at the school on a $5.8 million rebuild of its Zoology Learning Centre and new administration facilities, with works to start on further upgrades worth $3.2 million next year.

The Andrews Labor Government is also providing a further $6 million for Upper Yarra Secondary College for Stage 3 of works at the school, which will include refurbishing its library and Block A.

The school has already been provided $10.33 million for upgrades, with construction well underway for Stage 1 works and Stage 2 expected to start in the new year.

These schools are part of the Lilydale District and Yarra Valley Education Plan, which includes six local schools working together on the delivery of high-quality secondary education for students via the shared use of ideas and facilities.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invests more than $3 billion in school upgrades, including $1.1 billion as part of the previously announced Building Works Package, with a further $1.9 billion to roll out the next phase of the school building boom.

In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in the future of our students by building new schools, modernising classrooms and creating first class learning opportunities.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“These exciting projects at Lilydale High, Lilydale Heights and Upper Yarra Secondary College will deliver impressive and modern facilities so students get the best possible education.”