Two Bellarine schools will receive state government funding to help ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced on Monday Point Lonsdale Primary School and Wallington Primary School will receive $26,330.52 and $24,604.35 respectively for essential vegetation clearance work to minimise the risk of harm to the school community and facilities.
All schools listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register receive funding through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP). Introduced in 2018, the BPVP requires schools complete the work before bushfire season begins in November.
The BPVP also includes a school support program, providing a qualified bushfire planning and design practitioner to each BARR school every three years in developing a basic vegetation management plan.
With 332 government schools across the state taking part, the program will cost the state government more than $8 million for the 2024/25 period.
Last summer the Australasian Fire And Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) categorised nearly the entire Bellarine as being at an increased risk of fire.
Ms Marchant said the Victorian Labor Government was helping schools on the Bellarine undertake the required vegetation works on a regular basis to help limit their risk in the event of a bushfire.
“These grants will assist in preparing schools across the Bellarine for the summer months by undertaking important work to reduce the risk of harm to school facilities in the event of a bushfire,” Ms Marchant said.
“We know the severe and lasting effects bushfires can have on communities, which is why we remain focused on supporting schools to ensure they are fully prepared.”
