Victoria’s 2025–26 state budget has deferred promised upgrades at 28 public schools until after the next election, with completion now scheduled for mid-2027. These works, initially announced in 2022 by then-premier Daniel Andrews, were to be finalised by the end of 2026.
In parallel, conservation advocates have criticised the budget for reducing nature and biodiversity funding. Cuts of up to 26% in public land and forest management have prompted warnings from campaigners about long-term damage to ecosystems and threatened species.
Dozens of Schools Left Waiting Amid Funding Shifts
According to budget papers released this week, only one of 29 school capital upgrade projects listed in the 2025–26 budget will be completed by October 2026.
The remainder, affecting schools such as Belmont High School, Carrington Primary School and Mordialloc College, have had their infrastructure improvements delayed to mid-2027. These upgrades include new science centres, learning spaces and sports facilities.
Despite an overall education infrastructure package of £1.5 billion, just five of the 96 originally promised upgrades have been completed, while 11 are currently under construction. The Victorian School Building Authority confirms that the majority remain at the planning or design stage.
St Kilda Primary School remains a prominent example of unfulfilled commitments. Its hall was demolished in 2020 to make way for new facilities, yet the project remains unfunded.
“The state government promised a replacement hall, but this part of the school’s master plan remains unfunded,” said Caroline Thornton, a parent leading a campaign involving over 200 families.
The state opposition has criticised the delays, linking them to Victoria’s financial constraints. Shadow Education Minister Jess Wilson stated that the Labor government was “putting the “needs of students on pause as it scrambles to pay Victoria’s more than one million dollar an hour interest bill.”
Environmental Concerns Amid Budget Reductions
While the budget includes new funding for household energy efficiency, such as electric hot water systems and insulation, support for natural ecosystems has declined. According to Environment Victoria, funding for biodiversity has dropped by 19% compared to the previous year. The management of public land and forests saw a 26% cut.
Campaigners argue the budget fails to act on recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline, which called for an increase in parks and reserves funding to 1% of Victoria’s gross state product. “The current funding is pitifully small,” said Greg Foyster, a campaigner with the group.
The Victorian National Parks Association echoed concerns, noting continued staff cuts at Parks Victoria and limited new initiatives for biodiversity protection. “That’s no way to treat the agency responsible for looking after the places millions of Victorians love and rely on,” said executive director Matt Ruchel.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos maintained that the government is “taking care of our native wildlife and environment”, but declined to respond to direct questions about specific cuts.
