Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Ms LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (15 August 2019)

Mr MERLINO (Monbulk—Minister for Education):

The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $6.1 billion over the past five State Budgets to build new schools and modernise existing educational facilities across Victoria. However, it will take some time for the entire asset portfolio to be brought up to a standard commensurate with our ambition to build the Education State. Our ongoing challenge is to responsibly balance and prioritise the needs of over 1,500 government schools, all in varying condition.

On 2 September 2019, we announced that every single Victorian government school, including Hopetoun P-12 College, would benefit from a $515 million investment in funding to carry out essential maintenance works as part of a ‘Maintenance Blitz’ to improve their condition. I am pleased to announce that as part of this Maintenance Blitz, the college was allocated $169,135 to undertake essential maintenance works.

As you are aware, the college was also allocated $246,000 as part of the Planned Maintenance Program in 2016–17 to complete refurbishment works to its main building, which contains the science and food technology areas. In addition, the college was allocated $30,000 in 2015–16 to deliver outdoor learning, playground equipment and shade covers.

Regarding your concern about the Department of Education and Training’s Rolling Facilities Evaluation (RFE) program, RFE data provides both schools and the Department with comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the condition of school facilities. RFE data will update the findings of the Department’s 2012 condition audit. I can assure you that the information collected through the college’s RFE assessment will further inform state-wide school infrastructure planning investment decisions.

I am aware that the college may have capital or maintenance requirements. I can assure you that the infrastructure needs of all schools, including Hopetoun P–12 College, will continue to receive fair and equitable consideration through the State Budget process, and when determining future priorities for the school capital works program.

I trust this information is of assistance.