Three schools in the Yarra Valley have received funding through the Victorian Government’s Planned Maintenance Program (PMP), despite one not currently operating.
Chum Creek Primary School will receive $248,959.95, Warburton Primary School $422,059.18 and the inactive Gruyere Primary School $52,077.53.
“Both Warburton and Chum Creek Primary Schools are receiving funding to upgrade their Shelter-in-Place buildings and complete maintenance work including repainting, revarnishing and roofing and switchboard works,” a Department of Education spokesperson said.
“Essential roof maintenance work is being undertaken on three buildings at Gruyere Primary School to ensure the buildings are kept weatherproof and secure until a final decision about the school’s future is made.”
The program can fund maintenance work including fixing roofs, resurfacing floors, replacing windows, painting and installing outside lights and paths, which will be managed by either the government or the school itself depending on the size of the project.
Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence, whose district covers Gruyere, was concerned by the funding announcement for the closed school and said for years she has strongly advocated for funding to upgrade local state schools to fix faulty flooring, leaking roofs, decades-old portables, or classrooms that are no longer fit-for-purpose, to support local students and teachers.
“After the Labor Government effectively shut down Gruyere Primary School several years ago and there being no students there for years, it was surprising to see $52,000 in funding to upgrade it to a “world-class learning environment”, especially when so many currently operating schools with hundreds of students were denied any of this funding for basic maintenance and facility upgrades,” she said.
“It is disingenuous and more deceit from the Allan Government that cut $2.4 billion from public schools last financial year, with Victorian state schools receiving the lowest funding per student in the country,”
“By shutting down Gruyere Primary School then letting it fall into disrepair just shows further mismanagement and financial incompetence of the Labor Government, I will continue working with together with local school communities to call on the government for school infrastructure funding that will benefit our students and teachers.”
The Victorian Government determines which projects are to be prioritised through a rolling facilities evaluation process, used to gather ‘up-to-date information’ on the condition of schools.
Warburton Primary School principal Nathan van der Monde said it’s incredibly exciting to receive this funding and it’s a real boost for the school
“Our students and staff deserve facilities that are not only safe but also inviting and functional, this support allows us to take some big steps forward,” he said.
“We’ll be upgrading our Shelter in Place building, which is crucial for emergency preparedness and safety, as well as its use as a classroom and library learning space,”
“We’re also renovating our much-loved Library room to create a more modern and flexible learning space, restoring the roof, completing critical upgrades to classrooms and other learning spaces, and refreshing outdoor areas—particularly flooring and surfaces—to make them safer and more usable.”
Chum Creek Primary School was contacted for comment.
Mr van der Monde said maintaining and improving their facilities is vital to providing a quality education.
“When students and staff walk into a space that is well cared for, it sets the tone for learning, wellbeing, and pride in our school,”
“By investing in our buildings now, we’re investing in the future of our students. We want every child who comes through our gates to feel that they belong in a place that values them.”
32 schools across the state shared in $10 million through the latest round of the program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said every student deserves a safe, modern, and inspiring place to learn.
“These maintenance grants are about making sure every Victorian school stays up to standard—because when we invest in our schools, we invest in our kids,” he said.
“We are constantly reviewing our schools’ buildings and facilities to make sure every single classroom and school building is modern, safe and engaging.”
