Thursday, 15 March 2012

NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli and Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea said public schools in Davidson can now apply for the second round of funding for building upgrades and maintenance under the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government’s $40 million Public School Upgrade Program.

“The first round projects are underway and I am pleased to announce applications are now open for round two,” Mr Piccoli said.

“Schools can apply for project funding to a maximum of $200,000, which can be for full or part funding of a larger project or several smaller projects,” Mr O'Dea said.

Examples of works being funded include upgrades of kitchen and food technology facilities and science laboratories, renovation of toilets, sports courts and pavement resurfacing, roof, gutter, storm water and drainage upgrades, recarpeting, painting, and the upgrade of access facilities such as ramps, railings and stairs.

Principals and school communities can identify facilities in need of upgrade, and schools can also choose to self-manage these projects.

The first round saw 143 projects funded.

“For 16 years under Labor, school facilities were allowed to run down, which made it harder for students to learn and for teachers to do their job,” Mr O'Dea said.

“The Liberal & Nationals Government is determined to provide the best learning environments possible in our schools, and the funding provided under this program is an important step in delivering on that commitment,” Mr O'Dea concluded.

Applications are to be submitted electronically through the Department's intranet site by midnight on Thursday 5 April, 2012.