Macedon schools set to be fire-ready this summer

Twenty six schools in Macedon are set to be well-prepared ahead of the coming bushfire season, thanks to a boost by the Victorian Government.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced schools in the Macedon electorate were among 333 across the state to share in funding from the $9.15 million Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program for 2021-22.

The program was introduced in 2018 to assist schools in carrying out essential vegetation clearance works around the perimeter of school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in line with municipal fire danger periods.

Schools to receive funds are among those identified as being at risk and listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR).

These schools are required to undertake vegetation works on a regular basis to mitigate the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.

In the past seven years, the Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"This investment will go a long way in helping schools in Macedon be as prepared as they can be this bushfire season by getting on to those works that will help mitigate the risk of fire."

"We are ensuring that every Victorian school is well maintained and safe so that every student can learn in the best possible environment."

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"We know how ferocious bushfires are and their devastating impacts, that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program."