BUILDING THE EDUCATION REVOLUTION

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg) (6 May 2010).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Education, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Science and Information Economy): Building the Education Revolution (BER) is a Commonwealth Government initiative. Yankalilla Area School was allocated $2 million under the BER scheme. All projects are required to comply with the building code, legislation and Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) standards and policy regardless of the source of funds.

The South Australian Government does not intend to supplement the Yankalilla Area School's BER funding.

I understand that the school Principal has discussed this matter at length with DECS staff. The school understands the reasons why the costs associated with the school's new classroom building, including for significant site works and fire hardening measures, exceeded the initially budgeted costs for that building. This has meant that the gym refurbishment cannot be completed within the school's BER allocation.

In addition to the school's BER project, the Government recently completed a $1.799M capital works project for refurbishment of the administration area and the construction of a new home economics building.