Local schools will receive a funding boost to deliver small but important upgrades thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $70 million Minor Capital Works Fund.

Michaela Settle Member for Buninyong today announced that eight schools in Buninyong have been allocated a total of $1,149,669 as part of the fund to fast-track a priority project, supporting local jobs through Victoria’s economic recovery.

Funding will go towards upgrading fences, ovals, gymnasiums and playgrounds.

Last month, the Labor Government invested more than $3 billion in school upgrades through the Victorian Budget 2020/21.

While much of this funding went towards new schools and major upgrades to existing schools, this fund is delivering smaller projects that also make a big difference to local schools. Projects will commence from early 2021.

Victoria’s school building boom is the biggest in the country. More importantly, it’ll mean our kids have the classrooms – and the bright futures – they deserve.

In the past five years, the Victorian 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 its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Every student should have a great school, no matter where they live. That’s why we’re investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians.”

“Whether it is upgrading toilets or building a new fence – this is all about making sure our students have the facilities they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“These projects are shovel ready and will create hundreds of local jobs. When you include the investments in Ballarat Specialist School, Linton and Cape Clear Primary Schools we are seeing a unprecedented spend on our local schools.”

“We are making sure that students in the Ballarat region have access to the best school facilities and a great education.”

A full list of the small-scale school building projects in Buninyong: