Almost half of Gippsland East’s public schools have been rated below the Victorian average for building and facility condition, according to a newly released statewide report.
The School Condition Assessment, which evaluates maintenance issues, defects, and damage across school buildings and grounds, found six schools in the district in “poor condition” and a further 17 classified as “below average.”
No Gippsland East schools met or exceeded the state average score of 3.48.
Schools rated in poor condition — defined as a score below 3.25 — include Omeo Primary School, Orbost North Primary School, Orbost Primary School, Lindenow South Primary School, Lakes Entrance Secondary College, and Orbost Secondary College. Scores ranged from 3.06 to 3.24, placing them among the lowest-rated facilities in Victoria.
Orbost Primary, Orbost North Primary, and Orbost Secondary College have now amalgamated to form Orbost Community College.
The remaining 17 schools were all below average, scoring between 3.25 and 3.46.
These include primary and secondary schools across Bairnsdale, Maffra, Mallacoota, Swifts Creek, Bruthen, Stratford, Lucknow, Swan Reach, and Tambo Upper, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem across both coastal and inland communities.
Statewide, the report assessed 1062 schools, finding 199 in poor condition and 677 below average, meaning nearly two-thirds of Victorian Government schools fail to meet the state’s own average standard.
Gippsland East’s results closely mirror — and in some cases worsen — the broader state picture.
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull described the findings as “disappointing.” He noted the scores were only released after a two-year legal battle with the Allan Labor Government, following a Freedom of Information request.
“Under Labor, Victoria’s net debt is on track to reach a record $192.6 billion and interest repayments are set to exceed $1 million an hour over coming years,” Mr Bull said.
“When you have that level of debt and budgets cut as a result to pay the interest bill, this is the outcome you get for not managing money.
“This is a government that can find $200,000 to buy pot plants for the Suburban Rail Loop Authority head office but not the money to keep our schools in good condition.”
The report’s release is likely to reignite concerns among parents, staff, and communities about the adequacy of school infrastructure in regional Victoria, particularly in Gippsland East where ageing buildings, limited upgrade programs, and growing enrolments continue to place pressure on facilities.
With minimal schools rated at or above the state average, the report adds weight to calls for targeted investment in regional school infrastructure to ensure students are
learning in safe, modern, and fit-for-purpose environments.
