The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, says the funding announcement for capital works at Cardross Primary School is much needed, but long overdue.
“I’ve been contacted by Cardross Primary School about serious concerns with the condition of its toilet facilities, after their requests to the Government for funding and grants were ignored,” Ms Benham said.
Ms Benham also raised the issue in Parliament and she said this outcome is the result of sustained community advocacy.
“The current condition of the facilities is completely unacceptable. There are only three lockable boys toilet stalls for a school of over 100 students. Locks are frequently broken, and at times only one stall has had a functioning lock.
“Children are being expected to use school toilets without proper privacy. This is simply not acceptable.”
The situation should never have been allowed to reach this point.
“Schools should not have to fight for years just to secure basic infrastructure that meets minimum standards,” Ms Benham said.
While funding has now been announced under the Capital Works Fund, there is still no detail on what will be delivered.
“While it is good to see Cardross finally included, there is no clarity on what this funding will actually cover. I can only hope it addresses these long-standing issues.”
Ms Benham said the announcement is a positive step forward for Cardross, but funding for regional school infrastructure still has a long way to go.
“The situation reflects a broader failure in regional school funding. The Allan Labor Government must start prioritising the regions. Our schools deserve investment parity with city schools, nothing more and nothing less.”
