Moncrieff Media
Gold Coast students to swelter this summer thanks to Rudd’s Razor Gang
27 November 2008
Some Gold Coast students will be forced to suffer through scorching temperatures when they start the 2009 school year, thanks to the axing of the Investing in our Schools programme, local MP Steven Ciobo said.
The programme was an initiative of the former Coalition Government, and injected more than $8.4 million into local schools for minor improvements such as air-conditioning, shade cloths, new play equipment, classroom refurbishments and library resources.
Those schools lucky enough to use the funds to air-condition classrooms before the Rudd Labor Government axed the programme this year include The Southport School, Ashmore and Surfers Paradise State Schools, and Benowa and Keebra Park State High Schools.
“Unfortunately some Gold Coast students will have to tough it out in hot conditions as summer heats up, as funding for air-conditioning under the Investing in our Schools programme has been axed by Kevin Rudd,” Mr Ciobo said.
“Gold Coast schools have been a huge recipient of this programme, receiving more than $8 million for things like air-conditioning which unfortunately, often did not make the priority list.
“Now that the Rudd Labor Government has axed the programme, not all local schools will get the chance to ensure students are comfortable during the warmer months by installing air-conditioning and shade cloths without digging into the funds of the P&C.
“These small to medium projects are often desperately needed by schools, but don’t make it on the priority list, which is why the Investing in our Schools programme was so significant.
“Since the election of the Rudd Labor Government 12 months ago, the Gold Coast has lost funding through a number of programmes including the Investing in our Schools programme, the Community Water Grants project and Crime Community Prevention programme.
“It is a terrific shame the Rudd Labor Government is not continuing the Coalition’s funding initiatives, in particular, the Investing in our Schools programme, which was one of the most popular and important education programmes on the Coast.”