Maintenance Blitz to Clear a Third of the School Maintenance Backlog

The NSW Government will undertake in a significant maintenance blitz over these school holidays, Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has announced today.

The Liberals & Nationals are investing over $35 million into maintenance works at 230 schools during the October school holidays, with schools in our region set to benefit.

Mr Ward said that the blitz means the NSW Government is another step closer to delivering the election promise of clearing the school maintenance backlog.

“We are committed to ensuring we provide the best facilities for the students and staff in our area and that includes attending to repairs and maintenance work to ensure existing schools remain in top condition,” Mr Ward said.

“The government will have completed approximately one third of the maintenance backlog following these holidays.

“The NSW Government has committed $449 million to clear the existing school maintenance backlog in all public schools by 30 June 2020.”

Albion Park High School and Jamberoo Public School will be receiving vital works, repairs and upgrades including new floor coverings, drainage, groundworks, fencing and painting.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the blitz is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring every child in NSW has access to state-of-the-art facilities.

“We are investing a record amount into the education system in NSW, because we know how important it is for every child, no matter where they live – has access to a quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our future doctors, farmers and teachers are being shaped in our public schools as we speak, so it’s crucial that as a Government we continue to support them as much as possible.”

The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. A record $1.3 billion is being spent on school maintenance over five years. This investment is the largest in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Schools receiving maintenance work these holidays:

• Albion Park High School
• Jamberoo Public School