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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-07-23 Daily Xml
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Public Works Committee: Aberfoyle Park High School Redevelopment

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:34): I move:

That the 65th report of the committee for the Fifty-Fourth Parliament, entitled Aberfoyle Park High School Redevelopment Project, be noted.

The redevelopment works at Aberfoyle Park High School include the construction and refurbishment of existing buildings, new external courtyard works and landscaping, new elevated walkways and the construction refurbishment of the school's performing arts centre.

The estimate for the redevelopment costs at the site is $14 million. When complete, the Aberfoyle Park High School redevelopment project will deliver the required capacity to accommodate 1,500 students on the school site. The project is expected to support the expected future enrolment growth at the school, which of course includes the transition of year 7 students into high school in 2022. The project will be delivered in four stages, with construction expected to be complete by November 2021.

Mr Speaker, as you would anticipate, being familiar with our processes, the committee examined written evidence from the Department for Education regarding this project advising that the appropriate consultation in relation to this project had been undertaken. The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to the 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 Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it has considered and recommends the proposed scope of the public works noted in the report I bring to you now.

Mr MURRAY (Davenport) (11:36): I rise to support the motion before us regarding the 65th report of the Public Works Committee, being the redevelopment and refurbishment of Aberfoyle Park High School, which is in my electorate of Davenport. In so doing, could I thank the Chair of the Public Works Committee, the member for Kavel, and indeed all members of the Public Works Committee for their collegial and incisive review of not just this particular submission but indeed of all the in excess of 100 reports the committee has worked its way through as at the time of this morning's meeting.

This project will, in my admittedly partisan view, cement the position of Aberfoyle Park High School as the pre-eminent public school of choice in the south. It will substantially increase its capacity and comes at a time when significant other developments that are beneficial to the people of Davenport, and indeed the southern suburbs more generally, are being conducted at the school.

I want to congratulate the staff, the parents, the students and, in particular, principal Marion Coady and all the governing council members. I point out that I think it is instructive that of the $14 million being spent at Aberfoyle Park $4 million has come from the resources of the school itself, which I think is testament to the manner in which it is being run. Again, my congratulations to the staff, parents, students, principal and governing council.

I have referred to other developments and enhancements that apply or appertain to the school itself. Aberfoyle Park High School has the added distinction of having been selected by the current government, which I am proud to be a part of, as one of five high schools to participate in the International Baccalaureate program. Aberfoyle Park is the only school in the southern suburbs that is a participant in that regard, and this development both enhances and recognises that particular position.

I will move now to very briefly consider the nature of the developments at the school and what the $14 million so approved will in fact provide for us. Of particular note is that the money so expended will increase the current capacity versus enrolments by a factor of close to 50 per cent, which I think is astounding.

Aberfoyle Park currently has 1,054 students enrolled as of February this year and by the completion of this project the capacity for the high school will be some 1,500 students, which is indicative of its growth, its success and its capacity to attract students. As I said, in my admittedly partisan and jaundiced view, it is the public high school of choice in the southern suburbs. I will talk shortly about the time line, but the work to be developed includes:

the refurbishment of the performing arts centre and the English teaching area to provide quality music teaching, practice spaces, a 250-seat auditorium and a new commercial kitchen;

the creation of a senior and a year 7 hub through the refurbishment;

a new school entry between buildings 1 and 4 at the front of the school, double-storey, complete with a lift, a staircase and an atrium;

an enlargement and consolidation of the administration areas and so-called wellness function areas; and

considerable landscaping work.

One of the more pertinent points is that the school will be able to cater for anywhere up to 50 per cent more students than it currently has. Contracts have been awarded and construction is due to commence literally any day, with a construction completion date (which I am advised is on track) of November 2021. With that, I conclude my remarks and commend this report and the works described therein to the house.

Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (11:42): I would like to add my support to the works that are being undertaken to support the redevelopment and enhancement of the services that are available to be offered at Aberfoyle Park High School. Some five years ago now, I believe, many of these programs were flagged with me as the local member at that time and we started on a path to plan for the future for Aberfoyle Park in the south and how it would promote and best utilise some of its best assets and also increase what it was able to offer.

The STEM investment happened over the last few years, and that has seen a redesign and development happen for science, technology and mathematics within the school. The investment now around their performing arts is going to be very well received by the community. The Aberfoyle Park High School has certainly been able to perform well above its capabilities, given the spaces that they have been working in.

The performing arts program has developed over the years and has most definitely outgrown the room and the space. I have been privileged to attend rehearsals and performing arts programs delivered by the school in dance and in music. Their orchestra is certainly very highly skilled. To watch them practise in such a small space has certainly been interesting over the years. I am very pleased that they will have new spaces and a new auditorium to be able to show their skills and their talents and prepare for other performances that they will do for the public across a range of venues.

I would like to congratulate Marion Coady, as the principal of Aberfoyle Park High School. She went there about three or so years ago now from Blackwood High School and she certainly brings some amazing leadership skills. She has been able to continue with some lovely cultural development that has happened with that school across the years.

Congratulations to Marion Coady on her leadership. Thank you to the governing council for supporting the principal and the teaching team. To all the students and parents from Aberfoyle Park High School, who I meet on a regular basis as they come from all over the south to go to the school, congratulations. I look forward to visiting again soon and seeing what you are able to do in the new spaces as they develop.

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:45): I acknowledge the contributions of the member for Davenport and the member for Hurtle Vale, who are closely familiar with the school community. I think it is right to say that the member for Davenport has been a fierce and determined advocate for this project. He is well known in this place as a principled and clear thinker, and he is also far-sighted on a number of issues. He is particularly passionate about education.

It is important to recognise, as the member for Davenport has, that of the $14 million allocated to the project, substantial funds are coming from the school community. We are very grateful to Marion Coady's work, not just in ensuring that this project is brought forward with the assistance of the local member but equally that there is sound financial management at the school, ensuring that they can make the very most of public money that is available and see through a scope of works that is directed to their needs.

It has also been rightly observed that the school has a very well-regarded IB program. I believe that it is in no small part a relevant factor that has allowed for enrolment growth at the school and the substantial and ongoing good standing in which the school is held in the wider community. I mentioned earlier the principled and far-sighted leadership of the member for Davenport; he should be rightly proud. This is a significant moment for his community and as the local member he has seen this project to completion.

Motion carried.

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