MARITIME SKILLS CENTRE

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (29 June 2007) (Estimates Committee A).

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations): Defence SA has advised that there is no delay in the establishment of the Maritime Skills Centre (MSC). It is forecast that the centre will be available for use by ASC Pty Ltd in early 2008, in accordance with contractual terms agreed between the State and Commonwealth governments.

The total construction budget of the MSC is now $4.910 million, which represents a saving of $3.2 million, against the 2006-07 budget. Given this reduced construction budget, only $910,000 of the expenditure was required in 2006-07.

The $4 million allocated in 2007-08 is to complete the centre in accordance with the project schedule. This is not a carryover from the previous year.

The ongoing cost to the Port Adelaide Maritime Corporation for the MSC is estimated at an average of $155,000 + GST per annum.