Wednesday 3 May 2017

Hunter Schools Receive Maintenance Boost, But Wallsend Misses Out

By LAUREN KEMPE


The NSW government have announced a $390 million maintenance plan for schools across the state for better educational outcomes and more comfortable learning environments.

This is the single biggest injection of maintenance backlog spending in NSW history, and $50 million is being allocated to a number of Hunter schools.

The money will be used to improve classrooms and educational equipment in schools with the longest list of jobs awaiting cash by December 2018.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government is aiming for schools to be in the best condition possible, and this plan will help facilitate that.

'An investment like this will ensure that schools with the greatest need receive the most urgent attention.'

However Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery said she is disappointed with the government's decision, as none of the 24 schools in the Wallsend electorate have been included in the plan.

'Our schools need to be maintained like the rest of those in the Hunter. I ask the state government why they haven't included the Wallsend electorate.

'Having a comfortable environment to learn in is very important. What we want to do in Wallsend is foster an environment where we can maximise learning.'

There are currently $10 million worth of maintenance requests for schools in the electorate that have not been considered in the proposed expenditure.

Great Lakes College, Forster Campus and Rutherford Technology High School are set to receive the most funding for the Hunter region, at $1.95 million and $1.8 million respectively.


Wallsend MP, Sonia Hornery