Public Works Committee: Gawler and District College B-12 Redevelopment

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:49): I move:

That the 56^threport of the committee for the Fifty-Fourth Parliament, entitled Gawler and Districts College B-12 Redevelopment, be noted.

The college is located on Barnet Road, Evanston, in the district council of Gawler. The school was allocated funding of $10 million as part of the Department for Education's capital works program. The proposed redevelopment at the Gawler and District College is expected to provide the required capacity to accommodate 1,450 students, which will cater for the transition of year 7 students to high school in 2022. The redevelopment project will provide new and refurbished learning areas that are considered more suitable for the delivery of contemporary pedagogy in order to improve student learning outcomes and provide sufficient accommodation for an increased number of students.

The scope of the proposed college redevelopment includes a new building for special education, incorporating two learning areas plus withdrawal spaces, teacher preparation, an access toilet, an outdoor covered area and associated external works; two new buildings; a covered assembly point, incorporating two dance areas, performance spaces, a stage, a physical education office, a weights room, stores, toilets, a canteen and associated external works; and a new parent portal building, incorporating administration offices, a reception, a lobby, a waiting area, toilets and associated external works.

The reconfiguration and refurbishment of building 1 will also be achieved and will provide a senior student lounge and wellbeing area. A new central covered assembly area will also be delivered, as mentioned, and there is the creation of a new and very interesting and appealing entrance area that is expected to improve the street presence and amenity of the school. A minor tennis court upgrade, including line marking, nets and fencing, will also be delivered.

One of the key outcomes expected from the redevelopment project is the refurbishment of existing infrastructure at the school. Of course, that refurbishment will develop and provide creative, flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces that we are informed will increase student engagement and support collaborative teaching practices. We are also informed that the proposed works will be staged while keeping in mind that the school is still operating. Construction is expected to be completed by April 2021.

The committee examined evidence in relation to the project and received assurances by Department for Education and DPTI officials that the appropriate consultation in relation to the project had been undertaken. The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to appropriate agency consultation and meets the criteria for the examination of projects, as set out in the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991. Based on the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the committee recommends to parliament the scope of the proposed public works.

Motion carried.