Coker makes good on election commitment

INFRASTRUCTURE upgrades have been completed at several schools across the Corangamite electorate, providing local students with much-needed equipment and facilities.

Their completion marks the fulfilment of an election commitment made by Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker.

Ms Coker first pledged the school upgrades ahead of the federal election in 2022, confirming the required funding had been allocated in December that same year.

Almost $260,000 in upgrades have been delivered to local schools as part of the election commitment, including:

• Drysdale Primary School, with $9,800 provided for new classroom IT equipment
• Inverleigh Primary School, with $170,000 provided for an undercover basketball court
• Mirripoa Primary School in Mount Dunned, with $40,000 provided for football oval fencing, and
• Surf Coast Secondary College, with $39,210 for outdoor fitness equipment

“The Albanese Labor government is investing in public schools across our region, from the Bellarine to the Surf Coast, across Golden Plains and throughout the wider Geelong region,” Ms Coker said.

“From new laptops to upgraded outdoor sports equipment, this funding has delivered much-needed upgrades to local schools and is another important step in delivering on the Albanese government’s commitments to build a better and fairer education system.

“I’d like to congratulate all the local schools and their communities who advocated for these fantastic upgrades.”

The new and upgraded facilities were funded through the federal government’s School Upgrade Fund which provides grants to public schools to build or upgrade vital infrastructure including new classrooms, building refurbishments or playgrounds.

Round two of the grant program, for which applications have recently closed, will provide more than $215 million in funding, with government schools that have a high number of students from low-socio economic backgrounds, First Nations students and those with a disability, prioritised.

Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said the School Upgrade Fund was helping to ensure students across the country have access to quality infrastructure that will enhance their education.

“I want all students to get access to a quality education, including access to quality facilities to learn in and play on,” he said.

“The Albanese government is delivering on its commitment to invest in our schools and provide safer classrooms, playgrounds and facilities.”