$592.3 million for new schools and better facilities

More families across Victoria will see the benefits of the Brumby Labor Government’s $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan, with the 2008-09 State Budget allocating $592.3 million to rebuild, renovate or extend 128 schools in communities across the state.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Brumby Labor Government was delivering on its 10-year plan to rebuild, renovate or extend every Government school in every community in Victoria.

“Education remains our number-one priority, that’s why the Brumby Labor Government is taking action – rebuilding schools in every community across Victoria,” Ms Pike said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action so all children get the best possible education no matter where they live.

“This $592.3 million funding announced in today’s Budget represents the second tranche of the Victorian School’s Plan, covering 128 schools.”

Highlights of the Brumby Labor Government’s comprehensive schools capital works program:

• $123.9 million has been allocated to upgrade and renovation works at 25 schools, including a priority program for tech wings. The schools to receive upgrades and renovations are: Bacchus Marsh PS, Chaffey SC Stage 2, Colac South West PS, Daylesford SC, Doncaster SC, Dromana SC, Elisabeth Murdoch College, Hartwell PS, Koroit and District PS Stage 1, Lara SC, Maffra PS, Mount Evelyn PS, Nar Nar Goon PS, Port Melbourne PS, Princes Hill PS, Reservior West PS, Surrey Hills PS, Wangaratta West PS, Wellington SC, Wodonga PS, Mckinnon SC, Eltham PS, Carrum PS, Glen Waverley SC and Pascoe Vale North PS;
• $20 million has been allocated to build the John Monash Science School, co-located at Monash University Clayton. The science school will be at the forefront of innovative research and learning and advanced science teacher training, which will benefit students in every Victorian secondary school;
• $19 million to begin the first stages of Victoria’s two new selective entry schools in Berwick and Wyndham Vale;
• $171.3 million for the delivery of 11 new schools under the already-announced Partnerships Victoria in Schools package, which is delivering the schools in six growth areas in outer Melbourne through public-private-partnership arrangements. The schools will be: Taylors Hill PS, Derrimut PS, Point Cook North P-9 School, Cranbourne North East PS, Casey Central SC, Mernda Central PS, Craigieburn West PS, Lyndhurst PS, Cranbourne East P-12 School, Kororoit Creek PS and Truganina South PS;
• $29 million to build new schools in Melbourne’s fastest growing outer suburban corridors at Craigieburn North P-12 (Stage 2), Wallan SC (Stage 3), Wyndham Vale P-9 (Manor Lakes)/ Specialist (Stage 2) and Caroline Springs College (Springside campus) (Stage 2);
• $19 million to build three new replacement schools – Anglesea PS, Bass Coast Specialist School and Wodonga South PS;
• $35 million as part of the Better Schools Today program for up to 70 small to medium schools requiring minor upgrade works;
• $26 million to build new, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient relocatable classrooms. Relocatable classrooms enable flexibility within the education system, allowing schools to manage with fluctuations in student numbers, capital works and emergencies such as fires or storms;
• $101.1 million towards school Regeneration Projects. These projects are transforming school communities across the State, through new education options and school facilities. The projects are: Altona Bayside Regeneration; Bendigo Education Plan; Broadmeadows Regeneration; Colac Regeneration; Dandenong Regeneration; and Sunshine East Regeneration;
• $18 million to Secure the Future of Small Rural Schools – under this program, relocatable buildings at the following country primary schools will be replaced: Alberton; Buln Buln; Darnum; Eagle Point; Grahamvale; Horsham West – Haven (Haven campus); Woady Yaloak – Snake Valley campus; Newham; Upper Plenty; and
• $30 million to purchase land for the future planning of new and replacement schools.

Ms Pike said the 2008-09 State Budget also accounted for the Brumby Labor Government’s announcement last year of $3.5 million to build a Year 11 and 12 Centre at Fitzroy High School.

“The Brumby Labor Government is investing heavily in school buildings and infrastructure to meet the challenges of the future,” Ms Pike said.

“This record investment is part of the Brumby Labor Government’s clear plan to boost the skills and education of young Victorians and make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family.”