This was the largest asbestos removal program ever completed in the state. The Victorian Government invested $407 million between 2015 and 2020 to make this possible.
In 2015, we audited 1,712 government school sites and found high-risk asbestos at 497 schools. By March 2016, we had removed it all.
We then targeted asbestos which might pose a risk in the future, such as that behind the walls or eaves of older buildings. By the end of 2020, we had removed this asbestos from 1,287 schools.
Installing permanent modular buildings was a key part of our asbestos safety program. We replaced older asbestos-containing buildings with new architecturally designed modular buildings. Modular buildings are largely created off-site and transported to schools in modules for assembling. This can halve the construction time used for a traditional build. Schools received safe, quality buildings with reduced disruption and students were back into the classroom faster.
Ongoing asbestos management in schools
To ensure all schools are safe they are also required to have a School Asbestos Management Plan, in accordance with Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety framework. The plan provides guidance to manage asbestos-containing materials and any incidences that may arise.
All asbestos-related incidents must be reported and treated in accordance with the plan.
For further information on the ongoing management of asbestos in schools, please see the Department of Education’s asbestos management policy.
Updated