THE Victorian Government has made sure schools across the state are well-prepared for the upcoming bushfire season by providing grants to slash vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.

Education minister, Ben Carroll said 332 government schools across 348 campuses will share in more than $8.4 million to carry out essential maintenance work through the Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).

“We know how devastating bushfires are and just how long-lasting their impacts can be, and that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” he said.

“These grants will help more than 330 schools at risk of fire clear vegetation – to protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”

The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around school buildings prior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.

Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of a bushfire.

The BPVP also provides a School Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant visits a school twice a year to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making sure they complete a Vegetation Management Plan every 3 years.

The State Government has put forward this initiative to make schools as safe and prepared as they can be and continue to provide Victorian students with access to world-class environments for learning and thriving in the Education State.