Maintenance and bushfire preparation will start at more than 15 public schools across the Wimmera as part of a State Government funding injection. 

Primary schools and secondary colleges in Ararat, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera municipalities received up to $35,000 under the bushfire preparedness program. 

The money will see 346 Victorian schools share in $9-million to clear vegetation and undertake other essential maintenance ahead of the 2020-2021 bushfire season.

Ararat West and Apsley primary schools and Balmoral K-12 Community College will also share in $260,000 ‘high priority’ maintenance works. 

Works to grounds and classrooms will include fixing roofs and windows, painting, resurfacing floors and replacing windows, as well as repairing landscaping such as pathways and steps.

Education Minister James Merlino said maintenance works would support jobs and businesses through the coronavirus pandemic and improve facilities for students and staff across Victoria.

Works with contractors will be carried out under COVID-19 advice guidelines to ensure the health and safety of staff and students.

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