School maintenance list slashed
Release date: 06 February 2018
Latest figures show that the NSW Government has slashed the State’s planned school maintenance list by more than $200 million – or by about a quarter – in the past 18 months following a record blitz addressing roofs, floors, painting and other maintenance projects.
Education Minister Rob Stokes welcomed the results of the latest Education Department audit and noted that more progress will be made in the coming months with another $100 million allocated towards further maintenance in the 2017-18 financial year with schools with the highest need getting top priority.
“The NSW Government’s record school maintenance investment is having a real impact in addressing long-term maintenance challenges and we are committed to continuing this process,” Mr Stokes said.
“We are investing record amounts on new and upgraded schools while also making sure students enjoy the best learning environment across our existing schools.”
The NSW Department of Education has released its latest audit showing its planned maintenance liability has reduced from a projected $775 million at June 30, 2016 to $570 million as at December 31, 2017 – a reduction of more than $200 million.
The reduction in the liability follows the NSW Government’s record $747 school maintenance investment over the next four years in last year’s NSW Budget.
The latest audit is the first time since 2012 a full review of the condition of all schools has been completed.
The estimated cost of the present planned maintenance list is now about half the $1 billion under Labor.
