Funding for shovel-ready school projects

THIRTY-nine million dollars will be injected into four Ballarat schools from the State government’s Building Works package.

Ballarat High School, Delacombe Primary School, Miners Rest Primary School and Phoenix P-12 Community College are sharing the money to fund their ‘shovel-ready’ construction projects, that are good to go and will employ people needing work.

Delacombe Primary School has been allocated $5.85 million for their new, competition grade indoor gym, and to revitalise old buildings. Miners Rest Primary School is getting a similar gym, a community football oval, more land to expand, and new classrooms from $15.39 million.

Nearly $10.6 million is going to Phoenix P-12 Community College for new competition grade indoor sports courts, and the relocation of their tennis courts, and Ballarat High School is receiving $7.2 million.

Principal of BHS, Gary Palmer said their money will be directed towards the completion of renovations on the J. J. Sheehan Wing, following a previous $800,000 injection from the State’s 2019-20 budget.

“We’re really excited. We’ve been fully funded for our $8 million stage three project, and it’s great for our community,” he said.

“At the bottom of the building, we’ll incorporate a resource centre and a student wellbeing hub. We’re going to refurbish our heritage listed admin building which includes war memorial, Peacock Hall.”

New synthetic play spaces are also planned for PE and recreation.

“Our current stage two project has local architects, builders and subcontractors, so that’s going back into the community, and I’d like to think the next project will do the same. It’s great for our local economy,” Mr Palmer said.

As well as supporting young learners, Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle said these building projects will create many local jobs and generate more certainty during an unusual time of crisis.

“Making sure Ballarat students have access to quality schools and modern facilities is vital to ensuring kids get the most out of their education,” she said.