Ballarat High School's boatshed jetty could soon be pulling ahead of the competition, with an election promise for a revamp.
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Ballarat MP Catherine King and Shadow Assistant Education Minister Andrew Giles will announce more than $200,000 in capital upgrades for eight schools in Ballarat today, as part of Labor's election pitch.
The election promise includes $76,270 for an upgrade to the deck connected to Ballarat High School's (BHS) boatshed. The facility is used during training, competition and PE classes.
Other schools with potential cash on the way:-
- $50,000 fixed shade structure at Myrniong Primary School
- $25,000 for STEM facilities at Gordon Primary School
- $20,000 for an outdoor classroom at Creswick North Primary School
- $18,000 for sheltered seating at Balliang East Primary School
- $15,000 for upgrading the art space at Warrenheip Primary School
- $11,925 for the STEM lab at Canadian Lead Primary School
- $9,182 for a stage at Mount Blowhard Primary School
The school's director of sport and rowing Rob Simmonds told The Courier the jetty had been "in desperate need of repair" since the drought, as the boards dried out when Lake Wendouree was empty and began rotting after water returned.
He said over the last 12 months, the BHS maintenance team had replaced 200 metres of boards on the jetty.
"The jetty has significant rot and damage, and the school has been spending a lot of money replacing boards time after time," Mr Simmonds said.
"This will improve safety for the kids and coaches, so it's really important."
He said as a government school, all rowing equipment and boatshed upgrades had to be paid for through fundraising or donations.
The Ballarat High School boat shed was first built in 1960, with the latest major extension completed in 1998.
Ms King said in a press release BHS rowers would receive "the high-quality facilities to match their skills and efforts. She noted the reality of public school budgets means large projects "have to be funded through community fundraising".
"These investments will mean that these schools can upgrade their facilities, strengthen their communities, and offer safer and more engaging classes and activities to their students," Ms King said.
If the opposition are elected on May 18, Myrniong Primary School will receive a $50,000 fixed shade structure over its playground. As the major play space in the town, the primary school playground is often used by the general public on weekends.
Ms King said in a press release that the investment in Myrniong with "make it easier for students and families around Myrniong to get active" and promote sun safety.
If elected, Labor has stated they will provide $21.12 million in additional investment for Ballarat schools over three years.