PREPARING NORTHERN VICTORIAN SCHOOLS FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON

31 July 2024

The Allan Labor 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 Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced close to 100 northern Victorian schools 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).

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 3 years.

The Labor Government has invested $16.9 billion in public education projects over the past decade, building new schools and upgrading more than 2,000 schools while supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The Allan Labor Government is ensuring local schools are as safe and prepared as they can be. We continue to provide Victorian students with access to world-class environments for learning and thriving in the Education State.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

This funding means that our staff and students can feel safe and prepared during the warmer months, and hopefully these works can ease any worries they may have during bushfire season.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“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.”

“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.”

LIST OF SCHOOLS IN NORTHERN VICTORIA RECEIVING THIS FUNDING FOR 2024-25:

 

Arthurs Creek Primary School

Avenel Primary School

Badger Creek Primary School

Baranduda Primary School

Barnawartha Primary School

Beechworth Primary School

Beechworth Secondary College

Benalla P-12 College

Bethanga Primary School

Beulah Primary School

Boort District P-12 School

Bright P-12 College

Bright P-12 College

Buxton Primary School

Chiltern Primary School

Christmas Hills Primary School

Chum Creek Primary School

Currawa Primary School

Dederang Primary School

Don Valley Primary School

Edi Upper Primary School

Eskdale Primary School

Falls Creek Primary School

Flowerdale Primary School

Gladysdale Primary School

Glenrowan Primary School

Greta Valley Primary School

Guthrie Street Primary School Shepparton

Harrietville Primary School

Healesville High School

Healesville Primary School

Heathcote Primary School

Hoddles Creek Primary School

Hurstbridge Primary School

Jamieson Primary School

Kangaroo Ground Primary School

Kinglake Primary School

Kinglake West Primary School

Koondrook Primary School

Koorlong Primary School

Launching Place Primary School

Longwood Primary School

Manangatang P-12 College

Marysville Primary School

Merrijig Primary School

Middle Indigo Primary School

Middle Kinglake Primary School

Millwarra Primary School

Mitta Mitta Primary School

Mooroopna North Primary School

Mount Beauty Primary School

Mount Beauty Secondary College

Murrayville Community College

Myrrhee Primary School

Nangiloc Colignan and District Primary School

Osbornes Flat Primary School

Outdoor School

Ouyen P-12 College

Panton Hill Primary School

Peranbin Primary College

Porepunkah Primary School

Puckapunyal Primary School

Pyalong Primary School

Redesdale Mia Mia Primary School

Rubicon Outdoor School

Rubicon Outdoor School

Rushworth P-12 College

St Andrews Primary School

Strathewen Primary School

Talgarno Primary School

Tallarook Primary School

Tawonga Primary School

Tempy Primary School

The Alpine School

Toolamba Primary School

Toolangi Primary School

Ultima Primary School

Underbool Primary School

Upper Sandy Creek Primary School

Upper Yarra Secondary College

Wandiligong Primary School

Wangaratta Primary School

Warburton Primary School

Werrimull P-12 School

Wesburn Primary School

Whitfield District Primary School

Wooragee Primary School

Woori Yallock Primary School

Woorinen District Primary School

Wunghnu Primary School

Yaapeet Primary School

Yackandandah Primary School

Yarra Junction Primary School