Public Works Committee: Mount Gambier Technical College

Mr BROWN (Florey) (11:30): I move:

That the 84^th report of the committee, entitled Mount Gambier Technical College, be noted.

Forming part of the state government's election commitment to establish five new technical colleges by 2026, the Department for Education proposes to build a $38.5 million technical college on the site of an existing TAFE SA campus in Mount Gambier. Technical colleges provide a pipeline of skilled workers for entry-level jobs in key high-demand industries. They will transform and modernise senior secondary education, delivering practical-based learning programs in literacy, numeracy and technical skills.

Catering for year 10 to 12 students, the colleges will run in conjunction with nearby high schools, allowing students to complete their SACE while obtaining trade qualifications. The colleges will develop each student a transition plan, guiding them into entry-level employment, apprenticeships and traineeships or other pathways through further or higher education. As a regional institution, the Mount Gambier Technical College will offer industry-focused training that complements existing learning programs and pathways across the Limestone Coast region.

The new facility will offer vocational programs for 100 full-time students at any one time, with 200 equivalent enrolments over the whole year. Following the regional model, exactly the same as the Port Augusta Technical College location, students will come in for week-long blocks, cycling between the three year levels and then repeating.

The college will be built on Wireless Road along the edge of the existing TAFE campus, its aspect overlooking the Mount Gambier community, and provides exciting opportunities through its proximity to the existing education precinct. Working with TAFE administration, the department has ensured that the college students will have access to existing facilities on the campus and that the new construction does not replicate unnecessarily, instead deploying those resources elsewhere.

With this factor in mind, the new facilities in the technical college will include a careers hub, dynamic learning areas for larger groups, small think tank spaces for small group learning, a virtual reality igloo, a computer lab, interconnected workshops, a virtual welding area, an outdoor service yard, and breakout and pop-up spaces. Offering specialist training in agritech, building and construction, early childhood and education, and health and social support, the college will provide a modern educational environment that meets legislative compliance requirements for students undertaking vocational education and project-based curriculum activities.

Similar to the Port Augusta Technical College, the Mount Gambier location will also include short-term accommodation to cater for students who are not able to commute daily. The site is currently occupied by a car park that will require demolition before construction proceeds. A new car park will be built at the rear of the campus to replace the lost car spaces but also to accommodate the needs of the new campus.

The project will deliver a state-of-the-art building, serving as a new hub within the existing education precinct. The raked two-storey design of the structure is in harmony with the existing campus and maintains views of TAFE SA, while maximising natural light in the different learning, administrative and relaxation spaces, without compromising privacy in the accommodation wing. The design is inspired by the Limestone Coast region itself, with its colours drawn from the red ochre mined in the region and the azure shades of the Blue Lake. The choice of locally sourced limestone and cross-laminated timber also has the secondary benefit of producing a smaller carbon footprint.

Construction of the project proposes a single stage for the earthworks, construction and associated works commencing in September this year, with expected completion by the end of January 2026, in time for commencement of first-term classes. Early works will include construction of the new car park in time for the demolition of the existing car park upon which the technical college will be built. With the new car park open and the ring route for the campus operational, there will be little inconvenience for TAFE SA staff and students during the construction process.

There will be some inevitable noise disturbance on campus during construction, and project management will work with TAFE administration to minimise this where possible. Additionally, there may be some minor inconvenience for residents to the west and south of the site, and project management will continue to consult as necessary. The project will follow best practice principles for project procurement and management, with the lead professional services contractor and cost manager ensuring high-quality outcomes in design and function within time and budget.

An assessment has indicated the project is within a medium range of risk, notably including its regional nature, as well as the pressure of a fast-tracked design and construction. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is providing full project risk management services in design, project management, cost, procurement and construction to prevent or mitigate any potential complications.

One of the key aims outlined for the project is to follow government sustainability initiatives that drive improved environmental outcomes, with a focus on water and energy conservation. To this end a consultant has been engaged to advise on sustainability requirements and to create ecological specifications as part of the tender document. The consultant will develop a sustainability checklist to ensure strong outcomes are considered during both long-term design, as well as throughout the construction process. Energy initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas consumption include:

an all electric building functionality, including energy efficient lighting and solar power maximisation;

that any gas requirements are from bottled only; and

the architectural leveraging of shade, natural heat production and natural ventilation.

Water use will be minimised through high efficiency rated water fixtures and the use of drought-tolerant plants when landscaping.

Rainwater tanks and the re-use of stormwater will be considered during the detailed phase of design. Sustainable development initiatives will develop throughout the life of the project, with continuing consultation with relevant stakeholders. The SA Heritage Places database confirms there are no state or local heritage places or contributory heritage items on the site, and the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects indicates no entries for Aboriginal sites within the area. The commonwealth Native Title Act confirms that native title has been extinguished on this site.

The department confirms that local education directors have been kept informed of the development plans and scope of the works. Careful consultation and communication with relevant stakeholders has ensured that their needs are met throughout the life of the project. This includes TAFE SA and the University of South Australia, which share the existing campus.

Broader consultation with schools around the region will determine access, operating arrangements and other considerations. The committee has examined written and oral evidence in relation to construction at the Mount Gambier Technical College. Witnesses who appeared before the committee were: Wayne Dixon, the Assistant Director, Technical Services, Department for Education; and John Held, the Director, Russell and Yelland Architects. I thank the witnesses for their time.

Based upon the evidence considered, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Motion carried.