Keeping the door to education open through drought

February 11, 2020

Independent and Catholic schools in Maranoa will take a share of more than $4.6 million in Federal Government drought support funds for improvements to support local students and their families, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“In times of drought, it is essential we ensure that students coming from drought-affected regions continue to learn,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We all know drought takes a huge toll on businesses and families – we need to make sure our youth don’t face interruptions in their learning.

“Supporting local schools means they will be there for the future and families continue to have access to quality education.

“Our Government is providing $20 million to assist non-government schools facing financial issues as a result of the drought through the Special Circumstances Fund.

“There are stories of schools subsidising and waiving fees to keep students enrolled and this $20 million in assistance will help take off some of the stress that schools are shouldering through the drought.

“Our Government is taking action so that schools awarded with special circumstance funds continue to support families impacted by the drought.

“Catholic schools will take a portion of $3.9 million through State-allocated funding, provided through the Catholic education authority.

“Successful Independent schools in Maranoa will make use of $763,087 to continue supporting families impacted by the drought.

“Special Circumstances Funds are expected to reach school authorities in the coming weeks.”

Drought support for public schools is being administered by the state and territory governments.

ENDS