Parliamentary Committees

Public Works Committee: Heathfield High School Redevelopment

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:02): I move:

That the 98^th report of the committee for the Fifty-Fourth Parliament, entitled Heathfield High School Redevelopment Project, be noted.

Heathfield High School was allocated funding of $7 million as part of the Department for Education's capital works program. This funding allocation was confirmed in March 2018. I should add that Heathfield High School is further contributing $1.7 million to the funds available for the scope of works contemplated at the site to expand that scope and maximise opportunities for the build. In consequence, the total project funding stands at $13.575 million.

The proposed redevelopment at Heathfield will consist of demolition, new works and refurbishment to existing facilities to accommodate up to 1,200 students on the high school site. Of course, that will accommodate or cater for the expected enrolment growth, including the transition of year 7 students to high school in 2022.

The proposed scope of works at Heathfield will include, as I earlier mentioned, the construction of new works, particularly a new three-storey building with reception, administrative hub facilities, general learning and serviced learning areas, breakout spaces and a covered walkway with external landscaping to provide a clear entry point.

The project proposes the refurbishment of levels 1, 2 and 3 of building 1A, providing new science laboratories, general learning areas, wet areas, breakout spaces and staff preparation spaces; refurbishment of level 3 of building 1B to include a new student services hub, resource centre and information technology help desk; new junior food technology facilities, including two new learning areas, outdoor kitchen and productive garden areas; demolition of aged transportable buildings; demolition of the existing single-storey administration building; provision of a new fitness studio with outdoor active play area; and provision of a new disability access compliant walkway to the school oval. It is anticipated that the works will be complete this year, in about October.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to this project and received assurances that the appropriate consultation in relation to the project had been undertaken. The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to the appropriate agency consultation and does meet the criteria for the examination of projects described in the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991. Based on the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee recommends to the house the scope of the works that I have earlier described.

The SPEAKER (11:05): In the circumstances of the 98^th report of the Public Works Committee, and before I ask whether or not the motion is seconded, I will make very brief remarks referring to my particular pleasure at the outcome of the Public Works Committee report in this case relating, as it does, to the Heathfield High School Redevelopment Project, which I just indicate from my point of view is a matter of significant progress and improvement at Heathfield High School.

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:06): I should also emphasise that you have been a consistent, determined and passionate advocate for seeing through the scope of works at Heathfield and I know that your community and many in my community will be delighted to see that project moved to completion.

Motion carried.