This Budget invests more than $3 billion in school upgrades, including $1.1 billion as part of the previously announced Building Works Package, with a further $1.9 billion to roll out the next phase of the school building boom.
This extra $1.9 billion investment will support more than 6,400 in construction and supply chain jobs, including more than 4,830 jobs related to projects in metropolitan Melbourne and more than 1,570 jobs related to projects in regional Victoria.
- It includes $1.28 billion for 162 upgrades – targeted to schools most in need – with the architects to be appointed from January 2021 and construction work on every project to start within 16 months, creating a pipeline of work.
- More than $388.8 million of this investment will go toward improving facilities at 39 specialist schools – Victoria's single largest investment ever in upgrading specialist schools.
- More than $85 million will expand seven existing schools – providing space for 1,175 extra students. And to ensure we can continue to meet future enrolment growth, more than $147 million has been allocated to acquire land for 11 new schools.
- The Budget will provide $122.4 million for a new vertical primary school in North Melbourne opening in 2023, and deliver a further four stages of new school projects, including at Clyde North Station Primary School, Preston High School, the new Benalla Campus of Wangaratta District Specialist School, and the new San Remo Campus of Wonthaggi Secondary College.
The Budget also includes:
- $70 million for the Planned Maintenance Program to support upgrades and improvements at around 300 schools
- a further $50 million to fast-track shovel-ready projects at around 300 schools through the Minor Capital Works Fund
- an extra $20 million to build inclusive learning spaces and accessible playgrounds for students with disabilities through the Inclusive Schools Fund
MY SCHOOL HAS RECEIVED FUNDING. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Minister for Education has sent a letter to each school receiving funding, outlining what the funding amount includes, details of any training required and key contacts.
What is being built at my school?
Further details about specific projects will be available on this website in the coming week.
Some schools will have received funding to begin planning and designing an upgrade project, others will be funded to begin or complete construction.
We tailor every building project to the needs of the school and school community. This starts with your school creating a five-year asset management plan to guide maintenance and upgrade works.
The foundation of the plan is your school's 'educational vision', looking at the curriculum areas that they want to develop or enhance over the next five years. Schools create this in consultation with staff and students, and we provide training to help them through the process.
WHAT ABOUT NEW SCHOOLS?
Building a new school is a bit different, because there is no existing school staff or community to develop an asset management plan.
We consult the local community, so their needs and aspirations help shape the school's design.
Learn more about the 100 new schools being delivered between 2019 and 2026 .