In June 2009 Yankalilla Area School were successful in receiving a grant from the Federal Government of $1,525,000 to build a double classroom (General Learning Area) and toilet block for years 6/7, and $475,000 to remodel the gym.

But after works commenced in September last year, DECS ordered that $106,623 had to be used for resource fire tanks and 'Bushfire Construction Requirements' at YAS.

The diversion of a proportion of the funding was made in November, 2009 after building construction had commenced and the removal of storage facilities and a playground had taken place.

It was hoped by the school that some of the funding would be used to build a new playground and storage facilities to replace what had been removed due to the building of the General Learning Area.

Because of the certain site specific conditions of the General Learning Area project the final target is considerably above the $1,525,000 allocated.

Chairperson of the Governing Council at Yankalilla Area School, Anna Richards says the school is very grateful for the grant it received, but fails to understand why the school has to use over $100,000 to fireproof it.

"The school already has fire fighting equipment and the ability to fight a fire, yet we have been told we have to have these tanks on the school premises for community use," Ms Richards said.

"The Bush Fire Construction Requirement was never mentioned in any stage of the planning process, except the very end.

"Because of the blowout in the budget and the construction of the tanks we will have a shortfall in the remodelling of the gym project.

"The very major problem the school faces is one of storage and a major component of the gym refurbishment included the housing of sports and drama production equipment.

"In order to make way for the new General Learning Area, two sheds were demolished and it was assumed the new storage facilities in the gym would accommodate this much needed storage. Now we do not have the money to make this happen.

"The $103,000 would make all the difference," Ms Richards said.

YAS is seeking reasons why the money for the tanks, which will be used for community use, had to come out of the school budget.