Victoria’s most needy public schools will receive a number of new infrastructure upgrades as part of the Federal Government’s $215m Schools Upgrade Fund.
Round 2 of the Fund, announced by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare and Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll on Wednesday, will see 67 public schools across Victoria benefit from funding of at least $250,000 to build or upgrade infrastructure.
The new funding will deliver around $48m in vital infrastructure projects to upgrade food tech and home economics classrooms, install new playground equipment and resurface and upgrade sporting facilities.
“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” Minister Clare said.
“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to new outdoor equipment and replacing demountables, this funding will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most. This is another important step in building a better and fairer education system.”
Assistant Minister for Education, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said schools deserve great infrastructure and the latest equipment to improve the outcomes of students, irrespective of their background or postcode.
“To continue to be a smart and innovative nation, we need to ensure that all Australians have the same opportunities and access to a supportive learning environment,” Senator Chisholm said.
“This is a great outcome for Victorian schools and I’m thrilled that we can deliver this funding to complete important school infrastructure projects, especially in the state’s regional and rural areas.”
Victorian Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the funding would help ensure that all students across the state are supported in meeting their potential.
“We’ve invested billions into upgrading thousands of schools across Victoria and it’s great to have a partner in Canberra now doing the same - helping ensure our schools have the infrastructure they need to help students succeed.”