The maintenance backlog at schools in the Heathcote electorate has risen by a $1 million in a year, State Opposition Leader Luke Foley says.
However, Heathcote MP Lee Evans says the government is investing a record sum in reducing the backlog across the state, “caused by Labor’s neglect when it was in government”, and several schools in Heathcote had already benefited greatly.
Mr Foley and Labor candidate for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart released figures, obtained under Freedom of Information, outside Heathcote High School, which had a backlog of $833,316 at the end of 2017.
The figures showed the maintenance backlog in Heathcote increased by 20 per cent from $4.7 million to $5.7 million.
Mr Foley said this situation occurred while Premier Gladys Berejiklian “remains steadfast in her scheme to splurge $2.7 billion to knock-down and rebuild two Sydney stadiums”.
Mr Evans said an Education Department audit found the maintenance list for schools throughout the state had been cut by more than $200 million, or about 25 per cent, in the past 18 months following a record blitz addressing roofing, flooring, painting and other needs.
“More progress will be made in the coming months with schools with the highest need getting top priority,” he said.
“The government is only at the beginning of a four-year program of investing $747 million.
“In 2017-18, a total of $1.465 million will be spent on planned maintenance in Heathcote electorate schools.”
Mr Evans said the audit revealed schools that had their maintenance liability reduced significantly over the last 18 months included Loftus Public School, Helensburgh Public School, Stanwell Park Public School, Otford Public School, Woronora River Public School and Menai Public School.
Mr Foley’s list of schools with maintenance needs above $300,000 included Heathcote High School, Bangor Public School, Engadine Public School, Engadine West Public School, Heathcote Public School, Bundeena Public School and Sutherland North Public School.