The State Government is making sure schools across Victoria are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season by providing grants to slash vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh announced last Wednesday that 17 campuses for government schools in East Gippsland are among 332 government schools across 348 campuses that would share in $8.412 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).
“East Gippslanders know better than anyone that fire is a reality for local communities and it’s important to prepare these 17 schools so that students, families and staff are safe and prepared during the upcoming warmer months,” Mr McIntosh said.
Mallacoota P-12 College will receive $29,542 to clear vegetation and Marlo Primary School will receive $19,953.
Cann River P-12 College will also be some of those to benefit, receiving $25,261 and $25,123.
Newmerella Primary School has also been awarded $22,204.
“We know how devastating bushfires are and just how long-lasting their impacts can be, and that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, said.
“These grants will help more than 330 schools at risk of fire clear vegetation – to protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”
The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
The BPVP also provides a School Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant visits a school twice a year to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making sure they complete a Vegetation Management Plan every three years.
The Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in public education projects over the past decade, building new schools and upgrading more than 2000 schools while supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.
