The $47 million capital investment in increased school capacity announced today by the Victorian Government has been welcomed by Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) Acting Executive Director, Jim Miles.

‘We welcome this support from the Andrews Labor Government and its continuing commitment to funding increases in school capacity through the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.’

‘As the second largest provider of schooling in Victoria, expanding and upgrading existing school facilities is essential to meeting the challenge of increasing school enrolments.’

‘This investment by the Victorian Government is a recognition of the contribution Catholic schools make to the community and the importance of our schools in meeting education demand.’

Mr Miles also welcomed planning permit reforms announced today by Premier Andrews.

‘These changes will reduce the time and cost associated with the planning permit process, enabling Catholic education to better respond to the schooling needs of our community.’

‘We expect these changes to help Catholic education increase access to education in growth and regional areas over the long term, supporting parents to choose a school that meets their children’s needs.’

Students will benefit from new and upgraded facilities including reimagined learning spaces, new STEM facilities and a new library.

Sixteen schools from across Victoria’s metropolitan, suburban and regional areas will receive this important funding boost, ranging from Cowes to Wangaratta.

Over the next decade, Catholic school communities will need to invest $2.4 billion into capital works in Catholic schools to meet student demand.

Supporting this growing demand for Catholic education will help take pressure off government service provision and government schools.

Catholic school parents contribute 62 cents out of every dollar spent on capital works in Catholic schools.

Further information: Scott Cresswell 0433 099 044

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