Big budget investment in school and kindergarten buildings

In the 2023–24 State Budget, the Victorian Government is investing $3.2 billion to build, expand and modernise schools and kindergartens across the state.

This investment includes more than $2 billion to:

  • build 9 new schools to open across 2025 and 2026
  • plan and begin early works for 3 future new schools
  • add additional stages to 2 new schools
  • purchase land for future schools
  • upgrade 47 schools across Victoria including expanding the capacity at 4 schools to provide space for rapidly growing enrolments
  • plan for 54 more school upgrade projects.

This investment also includes a further $1.2 billion for early childhood infrastructure projects, which builds on the $1.5 billion provided last year to support the rollout of Best Start, Best Life. Together this will:

The Budget also includes:

  • $331 million to maintain our schools. This includes $103.5 million for the Planned Maintenance Program, which funds repairs and essential school maintenance to refurbish buildings and infrastructure in the poorest condition.
  • $10 million to improve learning spaces as well as the condition and character of schools through the Minor Capital Works Fund.
  • $10 million for Round 9 of the Inclusive Schools Fund to support equity and inclusion in our schools.
  • $25 million to deliver therapy pools at several government specialist schools.
  • $450 million to continue the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund for the next 4 years.

From the latest investment in great local schools, it will support almost 3,800 new jobs in construction and associated industries, including more than 2,770 in metropolitan Melbourne and around 1,030 in regional Victoria.

The latest investment in early childhood infrastructure is expected to support around 5,200 new jobs in construction and associated industries.

Updated