Macedon Ranges schools will have extra protection heading into the next bushfire season.
Education Minister Ben Carroll announced 345 campuses across 330 government schools would share in $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program.
In the Macedon Ranges, Darraweit Guim Primary School, Gisborne Secondary School, Hesket Primary School, Lancefield Primary School, Macedon Primary School, Malmsbury Primary School, Newham Primary School, the Bullengarook campus of the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School, Tylden Primary School and both Woodend Primary School and its Carlsruhe campus are all benefitting from the funding.
“We know how devastating bushfires are – that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” Mr Carroll said.
“We’re continuing to invest in the maintenance projects that matter most – to make sure all Victorian schools are in the best possible condition and to protect classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”
The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around the school buildings prior to bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.
Schools receiving funding are all listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register, with all schools on the list required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to reduce the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.
The program also includes a School Support Program, which provides two school visits to each participating school by an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant who develops a Vegetation Management Plan.
Schools can also engage with additional bushfire related professional services, like a Bushfire Attack Level expert, to provide further advice and support in reducing their bushfire risk.
“Bushfire season is just around the corner and now is the time for everyone at school, at work and at home to prepare property – doing this work now and having an action plan could save a life,” Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said.
