General News
10 January, 2026
Maintenance backlog hits local school
AMPHITHEATRE Primary School has been listed amongst one of the most in need of maintenance in Western Victoria.
School maintenance data reveals most schools in Pyrenees Shire are listed to be in a “fair” condition, but Amphitheatre Primary didn’t make the cut.
A School Condition Score is determined across a five-point rating scale such as: 1-poor, 2-worn, 3-fair, 4-good and 5-excellent.
Amphitheatre Primary School came under the “worn” category scoring 2.93.
Other schools in the municipality faired a little better; Natte Yallock Primary School rated, 3.05, Beaufort Secondary College 3.34, Beaufort Primary School 3.51, Landsborough Primary 3.45, Moonambel Primary 3.43, Trawalla Primary 3.48, Waubra Primary 3.17 and Avoca Primary 3.16.
The majority of schools across the state were assessed between 2018 and 2022, with another 74 schools to be scored between 2023 and 2027.
There are no schools with a rating of one, which is deemed “poor”.
Each school was assessed on the condition of its buildings, footpaths, fencing, shade structures, car parks, walls, landscaping and other external structures.
Schools are rated by a third party auditor.
The reports are designed to provide insight on long term planning and help guide future capital works.
Education expert Ben Sacco told News Limited the school condition reports are “not a list of immediate dangers”.
“On the face of it, these lists of defects or maintenance problems can sound alarming to parents,” he said.
“However, children are never likely to be placed in situations that are dangerous.”
“There’s no question there’s a big maintenance backlog in Victorian public schools. But these reports are there to ensure limited public funds are prioritised for the highest-need problems and are allocated fairly.”
A Department of Education spokesman said the government worked with schools to identify issues.
“These condition scores date back to 2023 and do not reflect the current condition of many schools,” he said.
“Upon receiving their condition scores, the Department of Education works directly with the schools to identify defects, prioritise them and then provide funding, guidance and support to resolve them to ensure that schools remain safe and in good condition.”
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the scores confirm that tens of thousands of students are learning in classrooms that are simply not up to scratch.
“With one-in-five schools in poor condition and almost two-in-three below the statewide average, it’s clear why Labor fought so hard, for so long, to keep these scores hidden.
“Every student deserves a safe, modern classroom in which to achieve their best but that opportunity is being denied to them by a government that cannot manage money and doesn’t prioritise the needs of school communities,” she said.
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