David Bartlett, MP

Premier

Sunday, 25 January 2009

Southern schools to receive upgrades

Southern Tasmanian schools will receive makeovers worth more than $1.2 million as part of a $2.475 million State Government program.

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said today that 80 Southern Tasmanian Government schools received a total of $1.214 million under the Department of Education’s 2008-09 minor works and essential maintenance program.

“Under the program, schools are invited to apply for grants up to $50,000, with schools also contributing towards the cost of their projects,” Mr Bartlett said.

“The funding available has increased from $40,000 per school in 2007-08 to $50,000 in 2008-09 and now also provides for projects which support the State Government’s Greenhouse Action Plan.”

Mr Bartlett said that projects included:

-  Fencing and netball court resurfacing at Geeveston District High School ($18,480)

-  Window maintenance at Goulburn Street Primary School ($46,620)

-  Lighting upgrade at Huonville High School ($14,400)

-  Computer lab upgrade at Lenah Valley Primary School ($25,370)

-  Disabled toilet upgrade at New Town Primary School ($29,400)

-  Painting and upgrade of oval at South Hobart Primary School ($29,070)

-  Grounds improvements and tile maintenance at Waimea Heights Primary ($45,500)

-  Classroom refurbishment at Bagdad Primary School ($23,920)

-  Building maintenance at Bellerive Primary School ($35,000)

-  Toilet refurbishment at Bothwell District School ($25,000)

-  Grounds improvements to the kindergarten and sports oval at Brighton Primary School ($15,000)

-  Airconditioning/heating upgrade at Herdsmans Cove Primary School ($15,000)

-  Drainage repairs at Ouse District High School ($10,500)

-  Administration office upgrade at Richmond Primary School ($50,000)

-  Painting at Rose Bay High School ($27,210)

-  Replacement of glass and building alterations to the office space at Warrane Primary School ($8450)

Mr Bartlett said that the State Government was committed to providing high quality learning environments for our students, no matter where they live.

“In the 2008-09 State Budget, we’re spending $41.8 million to redevelop schools, libraries and other Department of Education buildings across the State as part of a four-year, $162.87 million program,” he said.

“This $2.475 million minor works and essential maintenance program further allows school communities to benefit from improved facilities to enable students to learn in the best possible environments.”