The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has questioned the Minister for Education on when the Koorlong Primary School will receive appropriate shade structures.
The Koorlong Primary School is a bushfire-at-risk school, made so by the Koorlong State Forest surrounding its southern boundary.
The school’s administration has, for the last five years applied for and been denied State Government grants for funding to purchase and install adequate shade for students over their basketball court and playground.
“This continued rejection by the Government is appalling. To be repeatedly told, ‘Not this year – unsuccessful. Try again next year,’ is completely unacceptable,” Ms Benham said.
“Shepparton has a primary school about the same size that has three shaded play structures, yet the Koorlong kids don’t have any. These students are not even being provided with the bare minimum to allow them to safely play outside.”
“The school was forced last year to remove all the trees within a 10-metre radius of the school for safety reasons. However, it has been an unusually hot summer this year and the school is again being forced to consider alternative activities for students in hot weather.
“This is yet another example of Labor’s inability to manage our schools and it is our kids who are paying the price.”
