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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-11-30 Daily Xml
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Public Works Committee: Playford International College Redevelopment

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (11:05): I move:

That the 556th report of the committee, entitled Playford International College Redevelopment, be noted.

Playford International College is the former Fremont-Elizabeth City High School located on the corner of Philip Highway and Crockerton Road at Elizabeth. I have had the pleasure of visiting there on a couple of occasions, and I am very pleased that this report is focusing on the long overdue redevelopment of sections of that school that are certainly required. It is undergoing a rejuvenation under the direction of its new principal. The principal is an outstanding person who is doing an exceptionally good job and surrounding himself with equally capable teachers and support staff.

A three-year transformation plan has been developed for the school and is now in the process of being implemented. The key elements of the plan address cultural and educational matters as well as the physical environment and school facilities.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Can you ladies stop fighting with each other, please?

Mr Pederick: Order!

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are you chairing from over there, member for Hammond?

Mr Pederick: Absolutely.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It might interest you to know that it is not necessary.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Many of the facilities date back to the 1950s with the commencement of teaching on this site. This project addresses the need for upgraded modern facilities for students. The redevelopment works proposed will cost $7.342 million (GST exclusive) and are part of the northern economic stimulus package. The works will provide much-needed new and upgraded facilities that establish a new physical performance training centre, a new creative arts centre, a new visual arts centre, a new hospitality function centre, a new supported learning centre, an upgrade of the student toilet facilities and an upgrade to the reception, administration and staff facilities, as well as improving pedestrian connections to the school reception area.

In addition, there will be the demolition of nine non-fixed structures, which will assist in tidying up the site. The school has also been allocated $2.5 million (GST exclusive) from the government's STEM program for the establishment of a new STEM facility. This is in addition to the redevelopment costs for the school. This will include two practical spaces as well as support and teaching spaces for electronics, 3D printing and wet testing.

The staff and students will remain at the current school site during the construction works. As such, the works will need to be staged to ensure the continued operation of the school and the safety of the students, staff and visitors. Construction is due to commence in December 2016 to take advantage of the school break, with completion in December 2017. This project, in conjunction with the new direction provided by the principal and the support of the staff, will assist this school change its direction from one with low attendance rates and high behavioural management issues to one more in line with the state's average.

I would like to thank the staff from the Department for Education and Child Development, especially the principal, Mr Rob Knight, for presenting this project to the committee. Mr Knight has been at the school for less than two years, but already his vision and commitment have seen significant changes to the school's culture and have had a positive impact on the behavioural issues at the school. I would also like to thank the members of the committee for their time in considering this important and worthwhile project. Given this, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public works.

Mr PENGILLY (Finniss) (11:08): I can only endorse the words of the member for Colton. This was a particularly good project. I will pick up on some comments the member made. I would like to say that I could not speak more highly about Mr Rob Knight, who was outstanding in his presentation that day. He clearly has done an incredible job with the school, given his time there, and is passionate about where it has come from, where it is going, and where he wants it to go. We have absolutely no problem, on this side of the house, supporting that project. With those few words, I resume my seat.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton) (11:09): I commend the project.

Motion carried.

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