Schools in Dandenong 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 Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, today announced three schools in the area were 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.

Chalcot Lodge Primary School and Lyndale Secondary College will receive $70,000 and $40,000 respectively, for works to address high priority roof and other structural issues. While Dandenong South Primary School will also receive $15,000 for priority maintenance tasks, including wall and window repainting and repairs.

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 Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams

“This investment ensures students in Dandenong can learn in safe settings that complement the top-class education provided by our teaching staff.”

“I’m delighted to see Dandenong schools share in funding to get these much-needed maintenance projects off the ground.”