Labor is protecting school communities from bushfire risk with funding to clear vegetation and provide expert safety advice.
330 schools across 344 campuses will share in more than $8 million to clear vegetation around buildings well ahead of the dangerous season.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced the funding will go to schools on the Bushfire at Risk Register - mostly in regional Victoria where families need this protection most.
Since 2018, Labor has protected regional schools through vegetation clearance funding - now the Government is expanding this essential support.
Labor is also making sure bushfire-prone schools receive Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program grants get the expert ongoing support they need to stay safe.
Regular vegetation works mean safer school communities and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
That's why schools will also get two visits every 3 years by an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design expert.
Through the School Support Program, the experts will give the schools a unique Vegetation Management Plan.
This means schools are kept safe as conditions and their school communities evolve.
Schools who need extra advice, such as from a specialist Bushfire Attack Level expert, are fully supported to do so.
Liberal leader Jess Wilson and Nationals Leader Danny O'Brien want to cut investment in regional schools.
They said it themselves - they want to spend only 25% on regional school infrastructure.
That's a cut from Labor's current investment, letting regional schools crumble.
Only Labor can be trusted to deliver a world-class public education for regional children.
For a list of schools receiving funding, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program.
Staying informed is critical during emergencies.
Victorians should always use more than one source for emergency warnings, such as the VicEmergency app and ABC Local Radio.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"It's never too early to prepare for bushfire season, so Labor is stepping in to protect school communities well before bushfire season begins."
"We're not just protecting school communities this bushfire season, we're giving them ongoing support for years to come."
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward
"This funding gives peri-urban and regional families peace of mind that their local school is prepared for bushfire season well before it begins."
