A total of $8.4 million has been announced for schools across the state to carry out maintenance work as part of the Victorian Government’s Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program.
Among the 10 schools to receive funding in the Euroa electorate are Avenel Primary School, Longwood Primary School, Puckapunyal Primary School, Pyalong Primary School and Tallarook Primary School.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said investment in maintenance works would allow the schools to be as prepared as they could be.
“We know how devastating bushfires are, that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” Mr Carroll said.
“We’re continuing to invest in the maintenance projects that matter most to make sure all Victorian schools are in the best possible condition and to protect classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”
Introduced in 2018, the program supports schools in undertaking essential vegetation clearance around their buildings before the bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funds are among those listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register, which are required to undertake vegetation works regularly to reduce the risk of harm to the school’s community and facilities in the event of a bushfire.
The program also includes a School Support Program, providing two school visits to each participating school by an accredited bushfire planning and design consultant who develops a vegetation management plan.
State Member for Northern Victoria and Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes announced which schools were to receive the funding.
“When you live near a bushfire-prone area, it’s important to be prepared and these grants will help schools protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire,” Ms Symes said.
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