Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer
A $15M funding boost to Berri Primary School was the highlight of a recent regional tour undertaken last week by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven.
Minister Scriven’s announcement of the State Government capital works investment program funding last Thursday has answered long-term advocacy calls for the major redevelopment of Berri Primary School that began when buildings were labelled as ‘end of life’ more than two decades ago.
Though a recent planning study – that promises new contemporary teaching and learning spaces, a communal hall, plus improved outdoor spaces – has come to an estimated cost of $21m, Berri Primary School principal Brenda Pfitzner said the funding “will go a very long way” towards the new redevelopment of the campus.
“Previously staff have been advocating for Berri Primary School since as early as 1997, so this is a major success and is very exciting for us,” she said.
“To think we will eventually be able to have classrooms that look nice, have no asbestos, (and have) storage, and childrenfriendly bathroom facilities is just amazing.
“It’s also great to think that every child, no matter their postcode, matter – this funding sends a message to me that Berri students, staff, and the community, matter.”
Ms Pfitzner said the redevelopment of Berri Primary would be “soon to start”, with tentative plans to meet with an architect in mid-2026.
“We are just so excited, and glad we don’t have to wait – it’s imminent,” she said.
In addition to the $15m, Berri Primary School has been allocated $300,000 to upgrade the spaces used by its two special education classrooms.
“We recently expanded to host two special education classrooms early last year, so this funding is just fantastic,” she said.
“It’s our job to support our little people as well as we can, so we just feel so grateful for the (State Government) assistance and the chance to improve our facilities.”
Ms Scriven said the $15m “investment will make a significant difference to the infrastructure at Berri Primary School, replacing outdated facilities with contemporary spaces that support educators and students to thrive”.
“Upgrades to critical infrastructure play a big role in ensuring our regional communities remain attractive places to live and raise a family,” she said.
Also sharing in the announcement from afar, Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said “Berri Primary School supports a significant number of families in the Riverland region”.
“Schools like Berri are at the heart of their communities,” he said.
“By upgrading the school’s facilities, we will be helping to fulfil our vision to make every school a great school, while providing students the very best education in the years to come.”
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 11 February 2026.
