Dickson College and Melba Copland Secondary School to get new roofs

Dickson College and both campuses of Melba Copland Secondary School will have new metal roofs built on top of the existing roofs after large amounts of rainfall caused havoc for the schools.

Two buildings at Dickson College were closed last year after WorkSafe deemed the area unsafe because of possum faeces and urine on the floor and light fittings, black mould on the ceiling and extensive water damage.

Education Minister Yvette Berry said the $10.9 million was on top of the $99 million budgets for school repairs over four years and the $15 million for getting rid of hazardous materials.

"Over the last three years there was the highest rainfall the ACT has experienced ever that's been recorded, and so that did identify issues that didn't exist previously," Ms Berry said.

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Construction will begin in about two months with the aim to create as little disruption for staff and students as possible.

The new roofs are expected to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of the schools as well as keep out vermin.

Canberra High School, Alfred Deakin Highs School and Campbell High School are also expected to need new roofs.

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