Lakes Entrance families face renewed concerns over ageing school facilities, with the town’s secondary college rated among the lowest in Victoria for building and maintenance standards — just as students returned to the classroom last week.
The School Condition Assessment evaluated public school buildings and grounds across the state, scoring them on maintenance issues, defects, and overall condition. Lakes Entrance Secondary
College scored below 3.25 — the threshold for “poor condition” — placing it alongside Omeo Primary, Orbost North and Primary, Lindenow South Primary, and Orbost Secondary College.
A further 17 schools across Gippsland East were rated below average, highlighting a regional pattern of ageing infrastructure. No schools in the district met or exceeded the state average score of 3.48.
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull described the findings as “disappointing,” noting that the results were only released after a two-year legal battle with the state government following a Freedom of Information request.
“Under Labor, Victoria’s net debt is on track to reach a record $192.6 billion, and interest repayments are set to exceed $1 million an hour over coming years,” Mr Bull said.
“When you have that level of debt and budgets cut as a result, this is the outcome you get for not managing money. This is a government that can find $200,000 to buy pot plants for the Suburban Rail Loop Authority head office but not the money to keep our schools in good condition.”
Statewide, nearly two-thirds of Victorian government schools failed to meet the average standard, with 199 rated in poor condition and 677 below average. Lakes Entrance’s inclusion on the poor-condition list underlines ongoing pressures in regional areas, where older buildings and limited upgrade programs combine with growing enrolments.
Parents and staff in Lakes Entrance have long voiced concerns over the safety and suitability of school facilities. The report adds urgency to calls for targeted investment in regional school infrastructure, ensuring students can learn in environments that are safe, modern, and fit for purpose.
