Government Promises New, Upgraded Buildings for Every Australian School

The Federal Government Plans to Build the Education Revolution

• $14.7 billion will be distributed equitably across both government and non-government sectors.
• To commence in 2008-09 and be rolled out over the next three years.
• $12.4 billion will be invested to build or upgrade large scale infrastructure, such as libraries and Multipurpose halls in every primary school, special school and K-12 school in Australia. There are funding caps for these projects depending on the number of students enrolled in those schools:

0-50       $250,000
51-150    $850,000
151-300  $2 million
301-400  $2.5 million
401+       $3 million

• $1 billion will go towards building about 500 new science laboratories and language learning centres in high schools with a demonstrated need for upgraded facilities. Schools will need to demonstrate need, readiness and the capacity to complete construction by 30 June 2010. (DEEWR will determine the 500 neediest schools on the basis of applications received.)
• $1.3 billion will provide up to $200,000 to every Australian school for maintenance and renewal of school buildings and minor building works. Grants will be based upon school size.
• Schools will not be required to co-contribute to projects, though they may choose to do so providing they can still meet the fast track timelines.
• The Minister for Local Government will work to ensure that local government planning instruments do not unreasonably impede progress.

The Federation suggests that P&F Associations contact their school Principals and Board Members to ensure that they have input into facilities within their schools.

Mr Ian Dalton Executive Director Australian Parents Council attended the launch recently in Canberra and provided the attached update which is an extact form the next edition of APC Review.