More Victorian schools will be eligible to receive a funding boost to deliver small but important upgrades, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Minor Capital Works Fund.

Minister for Education James Merlino today officially opened Round 2 of the Minor Capital Works Fund which gives government schools the opportunity to apply for funding that supports small-scale building projects.

Funding of up to $50,000 is available for projects such as small maintenance works to toilets and roofs and minor fence upgrades, and up to $500,000 for projects such as roof, toilet and playground replacements and covered outdoor learning areas.

In the past seven years, the 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. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

While much of this funding went on new schools and significant upgrades to existing schools, the Minor Capital Works fund is about delivering the small projects that make a big difference to government schools, while also supporting local jobs.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 invests $20 million in the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools, bringing the total investment in the fund to $90 million.

More than 300 Victorian government schools have already been allocated funding to fast-track priority projects under the Minor Capital Works Fund to improve learning environments as well as the condition and character of schools, such as toilet and roof upgrades, playground improvements, classroom refurbishments, new bike sheds, oval upgrades and flagpoles.

Applications for Round 2 open close at midnight on Friday, 6 August 2021. For more details, go to https://schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/Pages/Minor-Capital-Works-Fund.aspx

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino

“Every student should have access to a great school, no matter where they live. That’s why we are investing in hundreds of small but important projects that will make a big difference for schools and create jobs for Victorians.”

“We’re making sure that our schools have the best facilities, our classrooms have the best teachers and that every child is given every chance to succeed.”

“With the opening of this latest round of the Minor Capital Works Fund, Victorian families are a step closer to getting the great local school facilities their kids need to thrive.”