Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Where Is School Drought Money? The Nationals want to know what has happened to nearly three million dollars promised to drought affected communities three months ago by the State Government, as part of a school drought relief package. By Peter Hall - 12th June 2007 - Back to News The Nationals’ Education spokesman, Peter Hall, said while the Government had made a big noise about the $2.9 million package announced in March, it seemed the money was still to reach schools in drought-affected regional Victoria.
"It’s not apparent that any of the money has been spent as yet and the Minister for Education, when I asked him the question in Parliament this week, had no knowledge of where the money was," Mr Hall said.
"Clearly it is important to spend any money allocated while people are feeling the impact of the drought. Taking kudos for announcing a package is one thing; we at The Nationals want to make sure the money is actually being utilised properly and quickly.
"The Education Minister cannot tell us whether that is the case. Surely he should know."
The package was aimed in particular at the five regions identified as suffering most from drought, the Grampians, Gippsland, Loddon-Mallee, Hume and Barwon-South Western.
The Premier promised funding support for drought support welfare officers to work with schools and provide support to students and families, as well as subsidies to schools to help with transport costs for students, books and stationary, counselling services and water conservation costs.
"I have asked the Minister to provide information about how much of that $2.9 million has been spent and in which program areas and specifically whether schools in those regions have actually received some financial assistance.
"The Government has announced the funding and it is important that schools and communities get what is promised to them quickly and efficiently," Mr Hall added.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
|
|
