PENOLA High School will receive $650,000 for improvements across the facility as part of a $32m State Government economic stimulus package aimed at supporting jobs and business in the wake of COVID-19.
The multi-million dollar package will be rolled out later this year, with 11 schools across the region sharing in more than $1.5m in upgrades, including roof repairs, bitumen replacements and structural repairs.
The Penola school’s car park, pathway and combined tennis and netball court will be upgraded under the biggest educational facility funding windfall in the Limestone Coast.
Penola High School business manager Vicki McDonald-Burgess, pictured below, said the funding was necessary to ensure the safety of staff and students, with the ageing site posing potential risks.
“There has been significant tree damage to the car park which will be fixed and will make it safer for students, teachers and visitors alike,” she said.
“It is a tripping hazard as is the back of the science classrooms which will also be done.
“It is original bitumen which is roughly 50 years old and has just been work away over time.”
Ms McDonald-Burgess said the bitumen near the science classrooms had developed small potholes and loose gravel over the years and created tripping hazards for staff and students.
“As far as the courts are concerned only one will be replaced, but this means we are able to utilise the court to its full potential,” she said.
“Students usually head over to McCorquindale Park to use the courts over there, however once this is replaced they will no longer have to do that.”
Ms McDonald-Burgess said the upgrade to the school’s multi-purpose court – which doubles as tennis and netball courts – would provide students with a safe and aesthetically pleasing experience.
“It is all about safety and we have now addressed that, but the aesthetics also become much nicer,” she said.
In 2008 the high school replaced bitumen as a part of a similar project as safety concerns rose.
“Once again the original bitumen was cracking and lifting away,” she said.
“At the end of this year’s project the whole school will have new bitumen and the original bitumen will be completely gone, maintaining the facility and enabling students and classes to utilise it.”
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride was pleased to see the school receive funding under the State Government’s major investment.
“This investment is all about bringing forward and undertaking much needed maintenance work to support jobs and business that have been impacted through the coronavirus outbreak,” he said.
“It is much needed investment that will accelerate the recovery of our economy.”
Penola High School’s replacement is due to be completed by the end of this year.
Bitumen will also be replaced at Bordertown High School, with the government allocating $240,000 upgrades to the facility.
Naracoorte High School will receive part of the funding with $30,000 being allocated to address slab moisture in a building.
