Hundreds of students at five schools across the region will benefit from improved classrooms and school yards thanks to a maintenance boost by the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, today announced funding for Creswick North Primary School, Talbot Primary School, Haddon Primary School, Ararat Primary School, and St Arnaud Primary School as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).

The latest round of the program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools, including fixing roofs, replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as external works like improving pathways.

Creswick North Primary School has received $604,458 as part of the program to improve their Shelter-in-Place building, including roof works and revarnishing.

Talbot Primary School will receive $558,630 to also improve their Shelter-in-Place building, including foundation works, roof works and window replacements.

Haddon Primary School will receive $20,431 to make their school more accessible by improving ramps.

Ararat Primary School will receive $167,252 to rebuild rotting ramps and improve safety for students, and St Arnaud Primary School will receive $246,422 to complete essential maintenance works on several classroom buildings.

Planned Maintenance Program works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of funding.

The Victorian Government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.

For a list of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit  schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

 “From a fresh coat of paint in classrooms to ensuring crucial emergency shelters are in good condition, this latest maintenance blitz will ensure all Victorian students have safe and modern learning spaces.”

“We are making sure every single classroom is safe, engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”

Quotes attributable to Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon

“This latest maintenance blitz will make sure our rural schools are safer and better for all students.”

“Having gone to run-down public schools neglected by the Kennett Liberal/National Government when I was younger, I’m proud to now be a part of a government that is improving our schools and making sure they are great places to learn for young country Victorians.”