The Allan Labor Government is building a new hydrotherapy pool at East Gippsland Specialist School for local students living with a disability. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that East Gippsland Specialist School would be one of seven statewide to get a brand-new pool - as part of the $25 million Hydrotherapy Pools at Specialist Schools fund, delivering on a 2022 Victorian Election commitment from the Labor Government. 

The new pool at East Gippsland Specialist School will open a wide range of learning opportunities – and all students will benefit through individual hydrotherapy programs. 

Hydrotherapy is a valuable treatment which can mean better wellbeing for children and young adults living with disability – and these pools will reduce travel burden on parents, and mean children can focus more on learning. 

Specialist schools in Bass Coast, Ballarat, Yarraville, Lake Colac, Echuca Twin Rivers, and Springvale will also each get a new pool, set to be completed by September 2026. 

The $25 million fund is part of a wider $235 million Labor Government investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support students with disability or additional needs in schools. 

This funding is one of two investments the Allan Labor Government is making into East Gippsland Specialist School, with new classrooms and a library set to be finished later this year as part of a $6.7 million upgrade.  

The Government is also investing nearly $1.6 billion in the Disability Inclusion program to better help students with disability – and to insure they can achieve their full potential at school and beyond. 

For more information, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/hydrotherapy-pools-for-specialist-schools-fund. 

Quote attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll  

“Our record investment in delivering the biggest reform to disability support for Victorian schools will give our hard-working students and staff the facilities they deserve.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“These facilities are critically important, and it’s wonderful that we can fund this Specialist School in East Gippsland.  

“Having these services locally to East Gippsland will mean this treatment remains accessible – and is sure to make a huge difference to local students living with a disability.”