THE state government says it is making sure schools across Victoria, including in Wellington, 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 that five Wellington Shire government 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).
Longford Primary School will receive $23,439 under the program, with Wurruk Primary School to receive $22,419.
Other schools to benefit include Gormandale and District Primary with $21,615.19, Loch Sport Primary School with $20,647, and $20,581 will go to Woodside Primary.
“Fire is part of the Victorian environment and it’s important to prepare our schools so that students, families and staff are safe and prepared during the upcoming warmer months,” Mr McIntosh said.
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.
Minister for Education, Ben Carroll said the grants will help clear vegetation to protect classrooms and other facilities in the event of a bushfire.
“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.
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 state government says it 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.
In a media release, the state government said that it 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.”
