Montello Primary School in Burnie is set to undergo a $12.45 million redevelopment, with work to commence next month.
The project, supported by an additional $2.5 million from the recent state budget, aims to create modern learning spaces, upgraded bathrooms and improved accessibility.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the upgrades will also include enhancements to on-site parking and traffic management.
“The project is part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s significant investment in new and upgraded facilities to support our learners and their families and our hardworking educators and school staff,” she said.
The upgrades are scheduled for completion in 2026 and are part of a broader $188 million investment in school infrastructure across the state.
Independent MP Craig Garland had earlier questioned the ‘unfair’ funding allocation for Montello’s project and the school’s 300-odd students.
“In comparison, the new Legana Primary School is projected to cost over $33.5 million to cater for up to 350 students,” he said.
“At Montello Primary, up to $40,000 is being spent per student while at the new Legana Primary, up to $110,000 is being spent per student.”
Treasurer Michael Ferguson said the difference was down to the fact one school was being redeveloped and the other built from scratch.
“I hear what the member is saying about what on face value is a disparity between the two school communities, but at Legana we are building an entirely new facility for an entirely new school where one does not already exist,” he said.
