More Victorian kids will learn in brand‑new schools and first‑rate classrooms, as the Andrews Labor Government continues to roll out the next phase of our school building boom.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invests $1.6 billion to build new schools and improve existing schools – making sure our kids have the bright futures they deserve and building on the $3 billion delivered in last year’s Budget.

Not only will this investment ensure great local schools, it will also create 3,500 new jobs in construction and associated industries, including around 2,900 jobs in metropolitan Melbourne and around 600 jobs in regional Victoria.

This Budget invests $492 million to build 13 new schools, with 12 schools opening in 2023 and one in 2024. Funding will also be provided to Cranbourne West Secondary College, Elevation Secondary College and Tarneit Senior College – which opened in 2021, 2020 and 2012 respectively – delivering new stages at each school.

Land will be acquired in Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Port Phillip and Wyndham for future school sites through a $276.4 million investment.

Fifty‑two schools will have better classrooms, libraries and learning spaces with a $340 million boost, upgrading 35 metropolitan schools and 17 regional schools.

An additional $188 million will go towards essential maintenance to ensure our schools are modern and properly maintained. The Budget also includes:

$105 million for new relocatable buildings to provide additional space for schools experiencing enrolment growth in 2022 $84.9 million to deliver new classrooms to meet growing enrolments at six schools for the 2024 school year $20 million to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools through the Minor Capital Works Fund $15 million for the Accessible Buildings Program and an additional $10 million for the Inclusive Schools Fund to help make our schools more accessible and inclusive for young people with a disability and additional needs $1 million to plan for Verney Road School in Shepparton, in addition to broader support for specialist education across the Greater Shepparton region.

The Labor 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.