LITTLE Yarra Steiner School students will benefit from a streamlined planning process to speed up construction of their $2million gymnasium.

Planning Minister Justin Madden announced the simplified process while visiting the school yesterday, when the State Government's community cabinet visited Yarra Ranges.

The federally funded gymnasium will provide separate sport, music and drama learning centres for more than 250 staff and students.

Little Yarra Steiner School is set on 24 hectares, two kilometres north of Yarra Junction.

Business manager Jim Taylor said the gymnasium was part of the school's pathway towards a sustainable future.

"[Construction] has been fast-tracked in the all-round interest of our students.

"Importantly, we haven't compromised high sustainability design standards we've set ourselves."

He said environmentally friendly principles would be used on the roof and ventilation system.

"We will have a full-size indoor play area. Until now, the students had to share a much smaller space."

Mr Taylor said that by streamlining the gymnasium, the school would be able to focus on providing students with an oval, with a 400-metre grass running track, and a $1.2million language centre.

Mr Madden said the new gymnasium

would help the school provide diverse academic, social and physical education in a lively classroom atmosphere.

Up to 450 carers will receive help to return to the workforce under the Victoria Works for Carers initiative announced by Community Services Minister Lisa Neville.

Speaking at the Upper Yarra Community House, Ms Neville said the new program would provide carers with the skills and support they needed to return to the workforce.

The Upper Yarra Community House provides social and educational programs across the Yarra Valley.