Local schools benefit from first round of Public School Upgrade Program

Friday, 23 December 2011 10:10

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

16 December 2011

Local schools benefit from first round of Public School Upgrade Program

The Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson today announced the first round of local schools to receive building upgrades under the Liberal & Nationals Government’s $40 million Public School Upgrade Program.

“The Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli has advised me that Gunnedah Public School and Tintinhull Public School will receive a total of $165 000 from the program, which was an election commitment made by the Liberal & Nationals Government,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’m very pleased we have been able to start delivering on this promise in our region so quickly.

“Gunnedah Public School will be allocated $150 000 for the renovation of toilet facilities.

“Tintinhull Public School will use $15 000 for the relocation of bubblers and the associated structure from the Public School Upgrade Program and an additional $1,899 from the Minor Maintenance Budget.

“In line with the Government’s commitment to increase decision making at a local level, the principal's and their communities were able to identify facilities for upgrading, with schools also able to self-manage the projects.

“Work on some projects will start during the summer holidays, so students, teachers and parents will start benefitting from these improvements in the near future.

The work announced for our local schools is part of $10 million being spent this financial year under the four-year upgrade program.

More than 125 schools around NSW are benefitting from this round of funding, with work on all the projects due for completion by 30 June 2012.

The Liberal & Nationals Government is also spending $5 million in 2011-12 of an extra $20 million for school maintenance.

“For 16 years under Labor, our local school facilities were allowed to run down. This made it harder for students to learn and for teachers to teach,” Mr Anderson said.

“The Liberal & Nationals Government is determined to provide the best learning environments possible for schools in our local community.

Ends