A local Werribee school will receive a boost to undertake essential maintenance projects, with the Victorian Government funding hundreds of projects making the state’s schools better places to teach and learn.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced Suzanne Cory High School in the area is among 207 to share in more than $17 million in Term 3 funding for projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).

The program ensures schools can undertake essential work to grounds and classrooms, fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as external landscaping works like pathways and lighting.

Essential maintenance works are decided by using up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of investment.

More than $2.8 million of this vital funding will go towards maintenance of Shelter-in-Place buildings at 22 schools, which serve as a temporary shelter for staff and students during a bushfire until emergency services arrive, or as a shelter of last resort.

This investment comes on top of more than $22 million already provided through Term 1 and Term 2 PMP allocations to make sure existing buildings at Victoria’s state schools are safe, modern and properly maintained.

In the past seven years, the 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.

The Government’s work to 100 new schools by 2026 is well ahead of schedule – with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Investing in these vital maintenance works gives our state schools the support they need to make sure every student and teacher in the state has access to safe and modern learning environments.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This investment ensures students in Werribee can learn in safe settings that complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”

“I’m delighted to see Suzanne Cory High School share in funding to get much-needed maintenance projects off the ground.”