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Victoria, June 9, 2009 – Primary schools in Victoria are set to receive $1.4 billion for new libraries, halls and classrooms as part of the latest stimulus plan of the Government. Education Minister Julia Gillard says that 776 Victorian schools will benefit under the second round of funding for the primary schools.

The Primary Schools for the 21st Century program is the largest component of the $14.7 billion Building the Education Revolution program. This is part of the Government’s $42 billion stimulus package announced in February.

In the first round of funding, 361 Victorian schools shared $642 million. Proposals for a third funding round are due in July.

For this round, the funds will be distributed to government schools, Catholic schools and private schools. Government schools will receive over 62 percent of the total while Catholic schools will be allotted 23 percent and private schools will get 15 percent. Allocation for funding allocation is based on a school’s enrolments rather than need.

Among the beneficiaries of the funding is Chelsea Heights Primary School which will receive $2.5 million for a multi-purpose centre. Principal Danny Mulqueen said the facility would include an indoor sports centre including a half basketball court, a canteen, performance and rehearsal space for music and drama, and science and technology rooms. The facilities will be open for the community’s use after school hours.

“I didn’t believe that in my time at this school we’d ever get facilities of this nature. This is something that excites me, and it’s the sort of thing that delays your retirement because you want to see it fulfilled.”

Source:
theage.com.au