Minor capital grants open for schools

A new $20 million Minor Capital Works Fund will fund minor school capital projects at government schools across the state.

Schools can now apply for State Government grants of up to $500,000 to modernise and improve learning spaces and boost the condition and character of the school.

Examples of eligible projects include upgrades to classrooms, sports ovals and toilets as well as the installation of new playground equipment, bike sheds, fencing, basketball and netball rings, and football or soccer goal posts.

Education Minister James Merlino said the funding would go towards record investment.

“This extra infrastructure funding will mean even more local schools will share in the largest investment in school infrastructure in Victoria’s history,” he said.

Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing encouraged all local schools to get involved.

“We’re continuing to invest record funding in education to ensure that all Victorians, regardless of their background or circumstances, can get a world-class education,” she said.

“I encourage all government schools with identified minor capital projects across the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to apply for these grants”

The fund is part of the more than $1.18 billion recently announced by the Victorian Government for the education infrastructure construction blitz that will aim to create thousands of jobs across the state and kickstart Victoria’s economy.