Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP

Families are angry as Bundalaguah School's promised toilet block rebuild downgraded despite $425,000 funding secured

Bundalaguah Primary promised new toilet block has been downgraded to a renovation, despite $425,000 funding - frustrating families. Tim Bull demands answers and full rebuild as originally promised.

By news@gippsland - 30th June 2025 - Back to News

Families at Bundalaguah Primary School are rightfully frustrated after learning the school's long-awaited toilet block upgrade has been downgraded to a partial renovation, despite receiving more than $425,000 in funding.

Tim Bull, with School Council representative Skye Doyle, outside the Bundalaguah Primary School, where $450,000 is not enough to replace the toilet block - to figure a new house can be constructed for in the private sector

Deliver promised rebuild

The Nationals' State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the situation is unacceptable and he has raised the matter directly with the Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, in State Parliament, requesting a full explanation and urged the Minister to commit to building what was promised to the school.

"Last year the Victorian School Building Authority allocated $425,366 for this project and the school community was invited to choose between two designs - a renovation or a full rebuild. The school community made it clear they wanted a complete rebuild of the toilets."

"Now, months later, they're being told the project will only involve renovating the existing structure due to cost constraints, and the school is expected to contribute $20,000 of its own funds. That's simply not good enough," Mr Bull said.

Toilet block blowout

Mr Bull said the cost blowout raises serious questions about the government's financial oversight and planning. "Let's be clear. This is a toilet block. Just one half a million dollars should be more than enough to deliver a safe, modern facility for students. We are not talking about a complex build. In fact, you could construct a three-bedroom home with multiple bathrooms for this kind of money. So why can't we build a basic toilet block for this amount?"

Mr Bull said the Allan Labor government's refusal to deliver the rebuild as promised has let the school community, especially the students, down. "When government money is allocated, there should be certainty. If poor planning or an off-the-shelf design led to a budget miscalculation."

"The burden should not fall on the school or its families. Students deserve to feel safe and comfortable using their school facilities. They asked for a new toilet block with a bird and windproof roof. I think they should get one," he said. Mr Bull has called for an immediate review of the project's scope and budget transparency. "Labor can't manage money and can't manage school projects. It's time the Minister stepped in and fixed this," Mr Bull said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
  Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
• Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
  Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• 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.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.