Thousands of extra school students will benefit from the new educational activities on offer at Burrumbuttock’s Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre thanks to a major expansion.

Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the upgrade means the centre in the middle of reclaimed native woodland, can now increase its opening hours from one to five days a week.

“The expansion, which includes a new office space and verandah, will allow multiple groups to use the facility at once, meaning more students can get a better understanding of the native plants and animals in our local woodland environments,” Ms Ley said.

“The $76,000 project included insulation, double-glazing and air-conditioning. We’ve also installed telecommunications and data lines and have paved the way for future extensions of the centre’s solar power system.”

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the upgrades created eight jobs during construction and will support six permanent positions.

“This increase in staff will enable the centre to now open from Monday to Friday, making this wonderful facility accessible to thousands more locals and visitors,” Dr McVeigh said.

“We’re proud to support educational projects like this one, which encourage community cohesion, create a sense of identity and provide visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature.”

Executive Officer of the Petaurus Education Group Owen Dunlop said the new facility offers a real confidence boost for the volunteers, staff and Burrumbuttock’s wider community.

“We’re very pleased that the Coalition Government shows its support for small communities through programs like the Building Better Regions Fund,” Mr Dunlop said.

The project was jointly funded with the Coalition Government investing $38,210, Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre providing $16,000 and Trustee for Wirraminna Environmental Education Trust providing $22,210.