THE state government has bowed to community pressure and will now fully fund the removal of an asbestos-ridden toilet block at Seaspray Primary School.
Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien said this was a great win for the school community after he raised the issue with the Education Minister James Merlino in state parliament.
“I’m very pleased to advise that after I raised the matter and there was some local media coverage the Education Department has now contacted the school and advised that the old asbestos-ridden toilets on site will be removed at no extra cost,” he said.
“This followed the school contacting me over their concerns that $190,000 had been spent on a new toilet block and that the department was expecting the school to cough-up up to $15,000 to remove the old asbestos-ridden building.
“This was money the school simply didn’t have, and caused immense stress for the school staff and community.
“It’s nice when the little guy has a win, and this has been a great one for Seaspray Primary School.
“Our rural schools do a fantastic job on limited budgets, and Seaspray is certainly one of those.
“I’m pleased that the minister and the department saw sense, and through our combined pressure we’ve been able to get a great outcome for the school community.”
