Schools funding boost

MORE than $3.5 million will be used to provide vital upgrades to schools in Geelong and along the coast.

The State Government announced yesterday it would spend $24 million on upgrades at more than 100 schools across Victoria through its Planned Maintenance Program. About $3.6 million in funding will be shared by 11 schools in Geelong and along the coast. Ashby Primary School in Geelong West the biggest winner with funding to the tune of $956,625.

Minister for Education James Merlino said the Government picked out the schools most in need of urgent repairs and refurbishment.

“We are investing in important upgrades to schools in the poorest conditions so that students have the first-rate facilities they need to thrive,” Mr Merlino said.

The Planned Maintenance Program funding is used by schools to replace, refurbish and demolish school buildings not up to standard.

Other primary schools to receive funding through the program include Colac Primary School ($444,503), Gee- long East PS ($163,000), Newcomb Park PS ($100,000) and Oberon South PS ($200,000).

The remaining schools include Apollo Bay P-12 College ($194,704), Bellarine Secondary College ($102,182), Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College ($68,245), Newcomb Secondary College ($850,000) and Western Heights Secondary College ($341,734).