Tuesday, 02 May 2017

Maintenance issues at schools across Northern Sydney will be tackled with a record $390 million injection of funding for a blitz on backlog repairs.

Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea said the NSW Government will provide $30 million to Metro – North schools with a list of schools to be announced next month.

“This increased funding will help provide the maintenance our local schools need now and into the future,” Mr O’Dea said.

“Maintaining school facilities is essential to ensuring our students get the education they deserve and I’m delighted the NSW Government has delivered on this funding.”

The NSW Government has announced an additional $60 million to clear school maintenance backlogs across the state, bringing total funding for school maintenance to $390 million.

This is the single biggest injection in maintenance backlog spending in NSW history.

Under the program, roofing, floor coverings, painting and other maintenance items will be fixed by December 2018.

The government has also announced the creation of Education Infrastructure NSW, a new specialist assets unit that will take over responsibility for the schools maintenance program.

A new assessment system will be established to improve management of the maintenance backlog. This will include a new system to prioritise the most urgent maintenance tasks.  

The estimated cost of backlog maintenance in NSW public schools is now $775 million, down from more than $1 billion under Labor.