General News
21 August, 2024
School funding secured
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.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced 332 government schools across 348 campuses will share in more than $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).
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.
Local schools to benefit from the grant program were Simpson Primary School ($24,915.95) and Timboon P-12 School ($31,970.64).
Minister for Education Ben Carroll was pleased to announce the funding to support schools.
“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,” he 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.”