TWO local schools will receive grants to undertake priority maintenance work, as part of a $32 million State Government economic stimulus package to be rolled out this year.
The investment will see Cobdogla Primary School and Waikerie High School engage local tradespeople to undertake much-needed maintenance work, supporting jobs and businesses in the wake of the coronavirus.
Education Minister John Gardner said the investment will provide a boost for the schools and their communities.
“This $32 million investment will deliver long-awaited works at many of our schools, support priority upgrades to our early years facilities and provide a vital income stream for small businesses and tradespeople statewide,” he said.
“This builds on the record $1.3 billion capital works investment across our education system that will deliver a generational upgrade of school facilities statewide and provide vital jobs at a time when they are so sorely needed.”
“The stimulus package is over and above the Education Department’s annual maintenance budget and forms another component of the State Government’s plan to address the economic challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.”
The investment fast-tracks $25 million for many long-awaited upgrades at 116 government schools including roof and bitumen replacements and structural repairs.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said it was “great” to see local schools benefit from the economic stimulus package.
“As part of the package, we will also see every preschool in the region receive $20,000 to engage local businesses and tradespeople to undertake maintenance work,” he said.
“The stimulus package is about helping schools and keeping as many local people in work as we can during these unprecedented times.”