Students in Portland are a step closer to getting the facilities they need for a great start in life, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Ed Ewers Architect has been appointed to design Portland South Primary School’s $500,000 upgrade. The project will include refurbishing the roof, and upgrading toilets to provide safe, accessible facilities.
Works are also underway at Portland Primary School to repair and replace the roofing and guttering in two buildings.
The Labor Government provided $84,120 towards the upgrade through the 2020 Minor Capital Works Fund.
In the past seven years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.
While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to help meet increasing demand, the Minor Capital Works fund is about delivering the small projects that make a big difference while also supporting local jobs.
Projects through the Minor Capital Works Fund will be progressively delivered with all projects to be completed by the end of 2022.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invests $20 million in the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools.
More than 300 Victorian government schools have been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Upgrading these schools will give Portland students access to great classrooms and facilities – we’re making sure every child can have a great education at their local public school.”
“This is a great step towards delivering the state-of-the-art facilities that staff and students at these two much-loved schools deserve and that match the quality of teaching and learning.”
“Portland families are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive and succeed.”
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.”