NEW BUILDINGS FOR ASBESTOS-RIDDLED SCHOOLS:

New blocks to replace asbestos-filled buildings

A PAIR of Geelong primary schools will share $4.5 million in funding to replace asbestosriddled buildings.

Education Minister James Merlino will today visit Highton Primary School to announce it will receive $2.5 million in state government funding to replace its main school building.

A new pre-built modular building will house classrooms, toilets and an art room.

Mr Merlino will also announce $2 million in funding for Fyans Park Primary School to demolish its administration building and replace it with a modular building containing classrooms, an art room, staff area and student toilets.

Mr Merlino said the funding came as part of the State Government’s $155 million Asbestos Removal Program to install modular buildings in schools where asbestos was being removed.

“The use of modular buildings allows us to remove dangerous asbestos with less disruption to our schools, which is a great outcome for local students, teachers and staff,” Mr Merlino said yesterday, prior to today’s announcement.

“We’re improving school infrastructure right across the state so every student has the opportunity to get the most out of their education.”

Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens said the announcement would build on recent education funding in the region.

“This announcement builds on the $149 million we have already invested in school infrastructure across Geelong,” Ms Couzens said.

“We’re improving the safety and amenity of schools right across Geelong by delivering schools upgrades and removing asbestos to make sure our schools are safe and fit for purpose.”

The modular buildings are expected to arrive on site at both schools and be ready for use by February next year.

Since taking office the State Government conducted a statewide audit of 1712 government school sites, finding high risk asbestos at 497 schools, all of which was removed by March 2016.

Poor condition buildings containing asbestos will be demolished and replaced with permanent modular buildings through the State Government Asbestos Removal program.

The use of modular buildings will reduce planning and building times, meaning less disruption to staff, students and teaching programs, the State Government claimed.