The Andrews Labor Government is delivering Victorian students the first-class facilities they deserve, supporting better learning outcomes with upgrades and maintenance – rolling out at schools across the state.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins has opened the new $10 million grants round of the Minor Capital Works Fund, encouraging schools to apply for grants of up to $500,000 to support projects including refurbishing classrooms, new playground equipment and bike sheds.

Every Victorian student deserves a safe and inviting school environment, that’s why the Labor Government has invested $131.8 million to improve the condition and character of more than 480 schools through previous rounds of the Minor Capital Works Fund.

More than 350 Victorian schools will also embark on a maintenance blitz in coming weeks – with $13.5 million allocated through the Planned Maintenance and Bushfire Preparedness programs, ensuring more schools have the support they need to deliver essential works and repairs every school requires.

Forty-eight schools across the state will share in $5.32 million in planned maintenance funding for more than 95 projects, with important works including stormwater management, lighting maintenance and structural repairs.

Nearly 325 schools have been allocated a total of more than $8.2 million for vegetation clearing and activities that reduce the risk of harm from a bushfire, providing a safer environment for students and the beating heart of communities across the state.

The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority issues, with the funding stream ensuring every school has the resources to ensure a safe, modern and properly maintained environment.

In the past nine years, the Andrews Labor Government has invested $14.9 billion to build new schools and deliver more than 1,940 school upgrades.

More information is available at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/minor-capital-works-fund, with schools encouraged to apply before applications close on 21 July.