Answers to Questions

Springbank Secondary College

284 The Hon. R.A. SIMMS ().14 June 2023). Can the Minister for Education, Training and Skills advise:

1. What is the status of the Springbank Secondary College upgrade project?

2. Has the government committed to fund the upgrade of the science labs as part of phase 2 of the school's building works?

3. Can the minister guarantee that there are no plans to merge Springbank Secondary College with another secondary school?

4. What is the Department for Education doing to support Springbank Secondary College's renewal plan to fill its 450-student capacity?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Education, Training and Skills has advised:

Springbank Secondary College was allocated $10 million in 2017 as part of the then Weatherill government's $692m Building Better Schools program.

Further funding was approved by the current government in April 2023, increasing the project budget to $11.55 million.

All refurbished areas are now complete with the school occupying the new classrooms. It is expected that the remaining external works, which have experienced a delay due to wet weather, will be completed in July 2023.

The Department for Education has worked with the architects to consider several options for the science wing refurbishment including associated costs. These are currently being reviewed. Once this process is complete the project will be considered for funding through the department's annual capital investment prioritisation process.

I can guarantee there are no plans to amalgamate or merge Springbank Secondary College with another secondary school. The Labor Party, when in opposition, stood with the school as attempts were made to close it. We continue to support Springbank as it grows.

Growing the enrolments of Springbank Secondary College is a priority for the Malinauskas Labor government. On top of the previously mentioned capital works upgrades, the school's leadership and governing council have implemented strategies to develop and renew the school. This includes refocusing on how the education program was delivered and developing key partnerships with other local educational facilities and universities.

The school's specialist basketball academy continues to be an integral part of the school.

These strategies and programs have seen a steady increase in enrolments in the last few years.

We will continue to look at ways we can further encourage more families to choose Springbank Secondary College.