Chilwell playground upgrade complete

PUPILS at Chilwell Primary School now have better and safer facilities to play in with the completion of works funded by the state government.

Last week, Geelong MP Christine Couzens announced construction had finished on Chilwell Primary School’s $150,000 upgrade to two playground areas.

The works, supported by the Minor Capital Works Fund, included “soft-fall” surfacing and new play equipment.

“We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed,” Ms Couzens said.

“Local families can now enjoy great new facilities at Chilwell Primary School.”

In the past seven years, the state government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The state government is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to help meet increasing demand, the fund is intended to deliver the small projects that make a big difference while also supporting local jobs.

The 2021/22 Victorian Budget allocated $20 million in the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools.

More than 300 Victorian government schools have been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools.

“Victoria’s school building boom is all about making sure our kids have the classrooms – and the bright futures – they deserve,” Minister for Education James Merlino said.