Schools splash out with $49m funding

TEN-YEAR-OLD Tamika Smith reckons school is heaps of fun since an interactive whiteboard was installed in her classroom at the Goonellabah Public School.

And things are about to get even more fun for students with the announcement of a further $2 million in Federal Government funding for infrastructure projects at the school.

Principal Mark Spencer said the school was planning to use the money to build a shelter over the school's play equipment and a covered outdoor area that will be used as an eating area and outdoor classroom.

The funding for Goonellabah Public is part of $49 million the Government will spend at 44 local primary schools under round two of its primary schools for the 21st Century program.

Mr Spencer said schools were in a fortunate position to be receiving support from the Federal Government.

“Schools are really excited about how our facilities and teaching are going to improve,” he said.

The $49 million in funding was announced yesterday by Federal Page MP Janelle Saffin.

The new building programs will include halls, libraries, classrooms and multipurpose facilities.

“This investment in our local primary schools is long overdue,” Ms Saffin said.

“It will go a long way to supporting local jobs during the global recession.”

A full list of schools to receive funding and their planned projects is available at www.buildingtheeducationrevolution.gov.au.