However, the condition of government schools across rural and regional western Victoria was markedly worse on average.
Of the 50 schools across the Horsham, Ararat, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Buloke council areas, five were rated in good condition, 17 were rated worn and 28 were deemed poor.
The figures mean only 10 per cent of public schools from the region are in good condition, compared to a statewide average of nearly 32 per cent.
Conversely, the percentage of public schools from the region in a poor condition was 56 per cent, compared to a Victorian average of 21.6 per cent.
Yarriambiack Shire performed best in the report, with three government schools considered in a good condition – Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Secondary College and Warracknabeal Special Developmental School.
But independent candidate for Western Victoria Aleta Moriarty highlighted the state of public schools in West Wimmera Shire, where three – Edenhope College, Goroke P-12 College and Kaniva College – were rated in poor condition, while Apsley Primary School was deemed worn.
“It has become clear just how far behind schools in western Victoria really are, and it’s time to demand more for our kids,” she said.
Ms Moriary said while state schools in West Wimmera Shire had received $42,424 per enrolled student in state capital works since 2017-18 – well above a statewide average of $8778 – the figure was driven by a single project.
“One flagship rebuild does not fix a whole shire, and the rest of West Wimmera’s schools have been left waiting,” she said.
“One-off projects can’t paper over a system that’s stretched too thin everywhere.
“Smaller schools – with less funding to plug the gap and less access to specialist teachers and facilities – are falling further behind regardless of where a single big project happens to land.”
Last month Member for Mildura Jade Benham visited Beulah Primary School – for which data was unavailable on the VAGO website – noting the dilapidated appearance of the school’s main building.
Beulah Primary School, along with Apsley Primary School, received money in the VSBA’s latest round of school maintenance funding, also announced last month.
Beulah Primary School will receive $740,718.41, while Apsley Primary School will get $626,079.36.
The money was part of a four-year $446.5-million package for school maintenance and repairs announced by the government in the 2026-27 budget.
Then Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government’s planned maintenance program had provided nearly $50-million for upkeep projects at 103 schools across Victoria this year.
“These projects are about supporting growing communities and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality learning environment,” he said.
“While Labor is upgrading schools, the Liberals are planning cuts that put projects like these at risk.”
People can view the VAGO’s ‘Delivering School Upgrade Projects’ report, including an interactive map showing the condition of schools across Victoria, online at www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/ delivering-school-upgrade-projects.
The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
