By Jessica Anstice
A number of schools across the Cardinia Shire will undergo vital maintenance and safety works thanks to funding from the State Government.
Local schools will share in more than $15.3 million though the 2020-21 Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program and Planned Maintenance Program.
The Bushfire Preparedness funding will see 346 schools from across the state share in more than $9 million to clear vegetation and undertake other essential maintenance ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing said the funding for bushfire preparedness and planned maintenance will make a “really positive” difference to many schools.
“It will make them safer, more accessible and more modern learning and teaching environments,” she said.
The recipients for the Bushfire Preparedness funding include Beaconsfield Upper Primary School $27,158.54, Cockatoo Primary School $23,605.70, Emerald Primary School $28,972.99, Emerald Secondary College $39,641.96, Gembrook Primary School $24,269.41 and Harkaway Primary School $22,968.68.
There are 109 schools from across the state that will share in $6.3 million of Planned Maintenance Program funding.
The Planned Maintenance Program will fund 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.
Among the recipients of the Planned Maintenance Program is Cockatoo Primary School, Officer Secondary College and Officer Specialist School.
Cockatoo Primary School will receive $15,000 to address high priority maintenance works, including bench top replacement, cupboard replacement, floor repairs, handrail/balustrade repair, painting works, roof repairs and wall repairs.
Officer Secondary College will receive $5000 to address high priority maintenance works, including ceiling repairs and painting works.
Officer Specialist School will also receive $5000 to address high priority maintenance works, including floor repairs.
Education Minister James Merlino said the projects will create jobs, boost local businesses and create safer schools for children.
“Our record investment in school infrastructure is delivering high quality classrooms for our hard-working principals, teachers and students,” he said.
Works with contractors will 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 4 restrictions, offsite planning of these works and any that are essential for school safety will continue.
