School loos flush with cash

By Chris Brown
Schools in the Cranbourne area will receive grants to upgrade and maintain toilets, and buy sports equipment.
“Local students consistently rate toilet standards as one of their most important issues,” Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said.
“Under this allocation, every government school will receive a minimum of $1000 to undertake toilet maintenance.”
Cranbourne West Primary School received $141,000 for toilet upgrades and maintenance.
Cranbourne Primary School, Rangebank Primary School, Marnebek School, Cranbourne and Cranbourne Secondary College, all received $1000 for toilet maintenance.
Cranbourne Park Primary School received $2128 for maintenance.
The grants are part of a $16 million statewide toilet upgrade program.
Cranbourne schools will also receive money to buy new sports equipment.
“These grants mean schools will be able to buy more bats, balls, racquets and other sporting equipment for students,” Mr Perera said.
Cranbourne Christian College, Cranbourne Park Primary School, Cranbourne Primary School, Cranbourne Secondary College, Cranbourne West Primary School, Rangebank Primary School, St. Agatha’s School and St. Peter’s College were given $3000.
Marnebek School Cranbourne received $1000 to buy sports equipment.
“We hope these grants will encourage more students to take part in sporting activities and those who already participate will enjoy using the latest equipment,” Mr Perera said.
Victoria is the only state to mandate sport and physical activity at both a primary and secondary level, he said.
“It is vital that we encourage young people into a lifetime habit of being participants and not just spectators,” he said.
“Getting involved in playing sport is a great way to stay healthy and make friends.”
This brings Victorian Government spending on school maintenance to $100 million in 2006, Mr Perera said.