Maintenance and safety works are set to commence at more than 400 schools as a way of supporting jobs and local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and improving facilities for students and school staff across Victoria.
In a statement the Minister for Education, James Merlino said hundreds of schools would share in more than $15.3 million through the 2020-21 Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program and the Planned Maintenance Program.
“The Bushfire Preparedness funding will see 346 schools share in more than $9 million to clear vegetation and undertake other essential maintenance ahead of the upcoming bushfire season,” Mr Merlino said.
“One hundred and nine schools will share in $6.3 million of Planned Maintenance Program funding for essential work to grounds and classrooms such as fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as repairing landscaping like pathways and steps,” he said.
“Over $2 million of this will go towards maintenance to Shelter-in-Place buildings at 12 schools, which provide temporary accommodation to staff and students in the case of a bushfire.”
Mr Merlino said works with contractors would be carried out under COVID-19 advice guidelines to ensure the health and safety of staff and students.
“If works can’t start immediately due to Stage Four restrictions, offsite planning of these works and any that are essential for school safety will continue,” he said.
