Dozens of Catholic and independent schools across Victoria will share in more than $70 million to build and upgrade facilities, giving students better schools and the best start in life.

Victorian school students will benefit from a record investment in school infrastructure, with the Andrews Labor Government delivering funding for new schools and upgrades to 28 projects at Catholic and independent schools.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino today visited St Paul’s school in Coburg – one of the schools to benefit from the first round of the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.

St Paul’s will receive $2 million to upgrade and expand its classroom space to cater for growing enrolments, as well as improving outdoor play and recreation spaces.

Victoria is growing faster than any other state, with 115,000 extra students expected to enter the education system over the next five years. With more than one third of students in Victoria attending non-government schools, the Labor Government is ensuring these sectors are also capable of helping the state meet this demand.

The first round provides more than $73 million towards 28 projects in non-Government schools, including:

• $5 million towards a senior school building at St Michael’s Primary School in North Melbourne
• $4.9 million towards a school extension at Heritage College in Officer
• $2 million towards a second stage to the senior school at Holy Trinity Lutheran College in Horsham
• $2 million towards a year 9 campus at Donvale Christian College.

The Labor Government’s $402 million Non-Government Schools Capital Fund will be distributed over four years and will build new schools as well as increasing capacity or upgrading facilities at existing schools. It also supports removal of asbestos and cladding in these schools.

The Labor Government has also introduced a streamlined planning permit process for non-government schools that receive funding under the fund. The process will boost the capacity of the education sector to effectively manage current and forecast demand for school infrastructure in the state.

The announcement today is part of a record $1.82 billion investment in Victoria’s education infrastructure in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 – delivering on the Labor Government’s promise to make Victoria the Education State.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re delivering record funding for new and upgraded schools, both Government and independent – so our kids get the best facilities, no matter where they live.”

“Families make their own choices about where their kids go to school, but no child should miss out on a great education – that’s why this funding is so vital.”