Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the Victorian Coalition Government’s significant investment of $51.5 million dollars in funding for the backlog of school maintenance in Victoria.

“This funding has been provided to help address a decade of Labor neglect and will provide nine schools in the Lowan electorate with a total of $838,362 to attend to maintenance issues,” Mr Delahunty said.

“A complete picture of the state of our school buildings did not exist until the Victorian Coalition Government's comprehensive building audit was carried out last year,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Despite the billions spent on programs like Building the Education Revolution (BER), the audit revealed a massive $420 million maintenance backlog.

“Schools that have been identified as having facilities in a poor or worn condition will now be able to address those deficiencies resulting in all our government schools having higher standard infrastructure ensuring a quality educational environment for our teachers and students,” Mr Delahunty said.

The nine schools that have received funding from this allocation are –

Cavendish Primary School - $5,423
Dimboola Memorial Secondary College - $88,698
Horsham College - $229,798
Horsham Primary School - $279,134
Horsham West – Haven Primary School - $8,360
Laharum Primary School - $53,325
Merino Consolidated School - $18,734
Penshurst Primary School - $16,564
Rainbow Secondary College - $137,326

Education Minister, Martin Dixon, said the Government was committed to better building management in all 1,539 Government schools.

“The independent maintenance audit has given us a clear and consistent picture of school maintenance requirements so that funding is allocated to schools most in need of repair or rebuilding,” Mr Dixon said.

“Western Victoria has wonderful schools with talented teachers who provide quality education for our children.  This maintenance funding is very welcome,” said Mr Delahunty.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has announced the school crossing supervisor subsidy has been secured for all Local Government areas in the Lowan electorate.

“Funding for the School Crossing Supervisor Subsidy Scheme has increased from $9.7 million in 2012-13 to almost $10million next financial year,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This includes a funding increase to each Council to pay for additional costs associated with the scheme,” Mr Delahunty said.
“This will ensure the region’s supervisor can continue their important work.”
“Our priority is keeping Victorians safe,” Mr Delahunty said.
Mr Delahunty said to apply for the subsidy, councils are required to review the eligibility of all crossings each year in line with the guidelines and submit an application to VicRoads.
The guidelines ensure that the state’s road safety resources are being directed to the highest risk sites, where they are most needed
“The subsidy is provided as a bulk allocation and as council know the needs of the local community best, councils determine the number of supervisors to allocate and the locations,” Mr Delahunty said.
During the school terms, speed limits will be reduced to either 40km/h or 60km/h outside schools in the morning from 8am to 9.30am and in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 4pm.
The school speed zone limits are clearly signposted with permanent speed limit signs, advance warning signs, time based signs or electronic variable signs.
“School speed limits exist because young children are the most vulnerable of all road users. Children can be unpredictable and difficult to see and I urge drivers to take extra care around schools, and slow down.  A small reduction in speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving if hit by a car,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said schools in Casterton and Coleraine will share in more than $41 million to help students who are falling behind to improve their literacy and numeracy.

“The Casterton Secondary College, Casterton Sacred Heart School and St Joseph’s School in Coleraine are among 309 from across Victoria which are receiving funding under the National Partnership funding scheme and which builds on the investment of over $740 million over four years the Victorian Coalition government has directed towards literacy and numeracy support,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The partnership would provide significant benefits to students and this is a boost for those students who need extra support in literacy and numeracy,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said schools will be able to run additional programs to help students who are falling behind in literacy and numeracy.

“While Victoria always performs well in literacy and numeracy compared with other states, the Victorian Coalition Government is aiming higher – we want to be among the global top tier of education systems. This is another step towards that goal.”

Mr Delahunty said schools will receive their funding from the start of term 2.

“Victoria’s self-managing schools are best placed to decide how to use the funding to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes at their school – the Victorian Government will support them to select appropriate programs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The programs range from focus on leadership and quality literacy and numeracy teaching, professional learning programs to build knowledge, and teacher-led research to identify the specific needs of their students and way to address these effectively.”

Mr Delahunty said a quarter of the schools to receive funding will develop and trial innovative literacy and numeracy curricula with support from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This work will subsequently be made available to all schools.

“The National Partnership funding complements the Victorian Coalition Government’s range of initiatives already in place to support student performance, including $24.3 million to recruit 100 new maths and science specialists, 100 scholarships to encourage university science graduates into teaching and $2.5 million School Specialisation Grants program, which enabled 25 schools to specialise in a field of their choice,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said schools in the Lowan electorate will share in more than $41 million to help students who are falling behind to improve their literacy and numeracy.

“Penshurst’s St Joseph’s School and Hamilton’s Baimbridge College, Good Shepherd College and St Mary’s School are among 309 from across Victoria which are receiving funding under the National Partnership funding scheme and which builds on the investment of over $740 million over four years the Victorian Coalition government has directed towards literacy and numeracy support,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The partnership would provide significant benefits to students and this is a boost for those students who need extra support in literacy and numeracy,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said schools will be able to run additional programs to help students who are falling behind in literacy and numeracy.

“While Victoria always performs well in literacy and numeracy compared with other states, the Victorian Coalition Government is aiming higher – we want to be among the global top tier of education systems. This is another step towards that goal.”

Mr Delahunty said schools will receive their funding from the start of term 2.

“Victoria’s self-managing schools are best placed to decide how to use the funding to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes at their school – the Victorian Government will support them to select appropriate programs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The programs range from focus on leadership and quality literacy and numeracy teaching, professional learning programs to build knowledge, and teacher-led research to identify the specific needs of their students and way to address these effectively.”

Mr Delahunty said a quarter of the schools to receive funding will develop and trial innovative literacy and numeracy curricula with support from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This work will subsequently be made available to all schools.

“The National Partnership funding complements the Victorian Coalition Government’s range of initiatives already in place to support student performance, including $24.3 million to recruit 100 new maths and science specialists, 100 scholarships to encourage university science graduates into teaching and $2.5 million School Specialisation Grants program, which enabled 25 schools to specialise in a field of their choice,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said St Brigid’s College and St Michael and St John’s Schools in Horsham will share in more than $41 million to help students who are falling behind to improve their literacy and numeracy.

“The schools are among 309 from across Victoria which are receiving funding under the National Partnership funding scheme and which builds on the investment of over $740 million over four years the Victorian Coalition government has directed towards literacy and numeracy support,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The partnership would provide significant benefits to students and this is a boost for those students who need extra support in literacy and numeracy,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said schools will be able to run additional programs to help students who are falling behind in literacy and numeracy.

“While Victoria always performs well in literacy and numeracy compared with other states, the Victorian Coalition Government is aiming higher – we want to be among the global top tier of education systems. This is another step towards that goal.”

Mr Delahunty said schools will receive their funding from the start of term 2.

“Victoria’s self-managing schools are best placed to decide how to use the funding to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes at their school – the Victorian Government will support them to select appropriate programs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The programs range from focus on leadership and quality literacy and numeracy teaching, professional learning programs to build knowledge, and teacher-led research to identify the specific needs of their students and way to address these effectively.”

Mr Delahunty said a quarter of the schools to receive funding will develop and trial innovative literacy and numeracy curricula with support from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This work will subsequently be made available to all schools.

“The National Partnership funding complements the Victorian Coalition Government’s range of initiatives already in place to support student performance, including $24.3 million to recruit 100 new maths and science specialists, 100 scholarships to encourage university science graduates into teaching and $2.5 million School Specialisation Grants program, which enabled 25 schools to specialise in a field of their choice,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and St Peter’s Lutheran School will share in more than $41 million to help students who are falling behind to improve their literacy and numeracy.

“These schools are among 309 from across Victoria which are receiving funding under the National Partnership funding scheme and which builds on the investment of over $740 million over four years the Victorian Coalition government has directed towards literacy and numeracy support,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The partnership would provide significant benefits to students and this is a boost for those students who need extra support in literacy and numeracy,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said schools will be able to run additional programs to help students who are falling behind in literacy and numeracy.

“While Victoria always performs well in literacy and numeracy compared with other states, the Victorian Coalition Government is aiming higher – we want to be among the global top tier of education systems. This is another step towards that goal.”

Mr Delahunty said schools will receive their funding from the start of term 2.

“Victoria’s self-managing schools are best placed to decide how to use the funding to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes at their school – the Victorian Government will support them to select appropriate programs,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The programs range from focus on leadership and quality literacy and numeracy teaching, professional learning programs to build knowledge, and teacher-led research to identify the specific needs of their students and way to address these effectively.”

Mr Delahunty said a quarter of the schools to receive funding will develop and trial innovative literacy and numeracy curricula with support from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. This work will subsequently be made available to all schools.

“The National Partnership funding complements the Victorian Coalition Government’s range of initiatives already in place to support student performance, including $24.3 million to recruit 100 new maths and science specialists, 100 scholarships to encourage university science graduates into teaching and $2.5 million School Specialisation Grants program, which enabled 25 schools to specialise in a field of their choice,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said local library lovers have until Thursday 16 May 2013 to have a say on the future of public libraries in Victoria.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting local councils to ensure public libraries remain a vibrant, modern and effective resource for all Victorians,” Mr Delahunty said.

“We know Victorians people love local libraries, so it’s important for people to have a say on what they would like to see in the library of tomorrow,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Publishing its landmark research in December last year, the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (MAC) proposed the concept of the ‘Victorian Library’ as a way to meet future needs.”

“This concept has the potential to break down borders and open up new opportunities for library providers and users alike, so we’d like to know what people think about it.”

“This second stage of consultation will assess the ‘Victorian Library’ concept and review public library funding.”

“I encourage people to provide their feedback online, and answer a few simple questions about e-books and online resources, a single library card for all Victorian libraries, and access to resources anywhere in the state from here in western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said public libraries in Victoria provided a range of important services and welcomed 1.1 million visitors last financial year.

“Libraries are at the heart of Victorian communities.  We love them and we use them often,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Through this public consultation process we hope to find out more about what people think of the ‘Victorian Library’ concept and whether it will meet the needs of future generations.”

“In coming months the MAC will meet with local councils, regional library corporations and other key library stakeholders to talk about what needs to happen at the ‘back end’ of the library if we are to implement the recommendations,” Mr Delahunty said.

Feedback and submissions can be made online before 5.00pm on Thursday 16 May 2013 at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/tomorrowslibrary  Submitters providing their name and address will go into the draw to win a 32GB iPad valued at $649.

“I am delighted to join the Good Shepherd College community as they opt to
walk, skate, scooter and ride their bikes to school today instead of
catching the bus or getting a lift,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The College is setting a great example for the whole community and is one
of more than 800 Victorian primary and secondary schools taking part in
today’s National Ride2School Day.

“Initiatives like these not only encourage kids to be active from an early
age but increase their confidence, independence and concentration at
school.

“Healthy habits start early, and kids who are more active, are more likely
to continue sport and exercise, well into their adult years,” Mr Delahunty
said.

Mr Delahunty said the Hamilton ride was one of hundreds of Ride2School Day
events across Victoria which are part of the overall Ride2School Program,
supported by the Victorian Coalition Government and co-ordinated by Bicycle
Network Victoria.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to have invested $2.8 million
in the Ride2School program. It’s part of the Coalition Government’s
commitment to physical activity initiatives that are aimed at getting more
people, more active, more often,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Program also complements the Coalition Government’s new Cycling
Strategy, Cycling in to the Future 2013-23. This year we’re investing more
than $30 million in a range of cycling projects from improved cycling paths
and new trails, to bike education, awareness campaigns and support for
cycling events.”

Bicycle Network Victoria's General Manager of Behaviour Change Tess Allaway
said National Ride2School Day helps make the journey to school by bike or
foot a normal part of everyday life.

“National Ride2School Day is about highlighting the three key benefits of
active travel: riding to school is easy and fun, students that travel
actively to school are more ready to learn, and riding to school
contributes to the daily exercise levels students need to be healthy,” Ms
Allaway said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is calling on young western Victorians to take part in the 2013 Premiers’ Reading Challenge.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has provided $4.4 million over four years to help local libraries and regional library corporations to buy the books that young people love to read,” Mr Delahunty said.

“In total, more than $415,000 in funding and tens of thousands of books will flow from the Premiers’ Reading Challenge to councils and library corporations in rural and regional Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Ararat Rural City Council will receive $6,205, Glenelg Shire Council $7,237, Southern Grampians Shire Council $6,899 and the Wimmera Regional library Corporation $30,356 to assist them in the Challenge.

“Across the state last year more than 220,000 young people got involved and turned the pages of more than four million books, and we hope that this year will be even bigger.”

Mr Delahunty said with more than 4,000 titles on the reading list, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge gives young readers and libraries many options to choose from.

“The Challenge encourages a love of reading in young people and for the first time, infants, pre-prep and pre-school children are being encouraged to join the Challenge as well as students right through to Year 10,” Mr Delahunty said.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages students to read a minimum number of books between now and 12 September 2013, including many from the recommended reading list.

The minimum number of books for each grade level is pre-school children are challenged to read 40 books; prep to Grade 2 students 30 books; and readers in grades 3 to 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

Books can also be read in languages other than English.

“Students who accept and meet the challenge will get a signed certificate of achievement from the Premier of Victoria,” Mrs Powell said.

“So I encourage western Victorian children and students to get along to their local library during these school holidays and get a head start on the 2013 Premiers’ Reading Challenge,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information about the 2013 Premiers’ Reading Challenge, please visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc