In the Victorian Budget 2016-17, education and school infrastructure are at the centre stage!
The government plans to ensure that every Victorian child can meet their potential.
According to the Hon , Minister for Education - “Our kids can’t get a first-rate education in second-rate class rooms. This funding goes to fixing the schools most in need – particularly those in regional Victoria.”
The Victorian Government plans to invest over $924 million to build new schools and upgrade classrooms.
According to the ruling party, this is the largest ever single investment by a Victorian government in school infrastructure.
The new schools will be opened across the state, in the inner city, in outer-suburban growth areas, and in regional Victoria.
According to the Liberal Party of Victoria website - "Despite state taxes under Daniel Andrews increasing by $3.7 billion or 20.7% in just two years, only $10 million is allocated in the budget for new kindergartens in growth suburbs."
Further, all the secondary schools assessed by the government as being in the worst condition will be upgraded to meet modern standards.
The government also plans to establish the Victorian School Building Authority to deliver this construction boom that will not just benefit students, but also create jobs.
“Victoria is growing, and we need to start planning the schools of the future now. This is an outstanding Budget for students and will create jobs for local tradies,” said Mr Merlino.
The Victorian Government’s Education Package includes:
• $287 million to acquire land to build or complete 23 new schools, many in Melbourne’s growth areas, where they are needed most
• $92 million to establish 10 cutting-edge Tech Schools at TAFEs and universities across Victoria, including four in regional Victoria, because every child should have the chance to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, wherever they live.
• $68.5 million to upgrade 20 specialist schools in the poorest condition, including a $10 million boost to the Inclusive Schools Fund for students with a disability, because every child deserves the same opportunities no matter their background or circumstances
• $63.6 million for more modern relocatable classrooms to ease the pressure on growing Victorian schools
• $50 million for the new Shared Facilities Fund to help more schools become thriving community hubs
• $28 million to continue removing asbestos from school buildings
• $16 million for the new School Pride and Sports Fund to help strengthen community pride in schools and build sporting facilities for students
• $12 million to plan upgrades at 35 existing schools to accommodate growth and update old facilities.
The Government is also spending $200 million to better maintain existing school facilities.
This means an additional $1.1 billion is being spent to build, upgrade and maintain Victorian schools in this Budget.
Mr Merlino added - “We’re not just talking about making Victoria the Education State, we’re getting it done.”
The Liberal Party of Victoria feels that "With nearly 5,000 births per year in this growth area, there is also a huge demand for additional services which is why Daniel Andrews’ offering of just $10 million for all of Victoria is completely inadequate."
