Eddie Russell
Toolern Vale and District Primary School is ready to take on the upcoming bushfire season.
The school has received $23,5000 from the state government as part of the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program (BVBP).
It is among 332 other government schools listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register that will share $8.4 million in funding to prepare for bushfires.
The program instructs schools on the best ways to carry out essential maintenance work and mitigate the risk of harm to students, staff, and property in the event of a bushfire
Principal Elizabeth Richardson said it was important to take potential danger seriously given the surrounding environment.
“Our school is located in a lovely bush setting which is important to maintain to reduce bushfire risks. We are very happy to have been provided the money to prepare for the 2024–25 bushfire season,” she said.
The money will be well spent, said Ms Richardson.
“Throughout the year, and particularly during fire danger periods, we will use our funding to ensure that roofs and gutters are regularly cleared and ground level vegetation is well maintained.”
“This will allow us to ensure that our school grounds are clear of dry grass and vegetation, up to and adjacent to our school boundaries.”
Melton MP Steve McGhie said the funding was a way to ease anxieties coming into summer.
“Preparing Toolern Vale and District Primary School means that staff and students can feel safe and prepared during the warmer months, and hopefully these works can ease any worries they may have during bushfire season,” he said.
Toolern Vale and District Primary School has been involved in the program since it was introduced in 2018.
