5 May 2016

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training

$28m education construction boom starts

The largest round of school infrastructure tenders has just been awarded, signalling the start of a $28 million construction boom across nine Tasmanian schools.

The upgrades are a combination of our $95 million Capital Investment Program, which will reinvigorate our schools over the next four years, and the $22.3 million worth of projects we fast-tracked as part of our commitment to maintaining the momentum in our growing economy.

This investment will not only improve the learning environment for thousands of students, but as every tender was won by local construction firms it will drive economic growth and local jobs.

The $28 million will have a huge flow-on effect for local tradespeople and retailers, with the contractors to employ plumbers, electricians, bricklayers and source materials from local suppliers.

This is a double win for Tasmanian construction firms, having gained a major tax break in the Federal Budget earlier this week.

Construction represents the second largest sector of small businesses in Tasmania, employing about 20,000 Tasmanians, or one in five Tasmanians who work in small business.

The tenders include:

• De Jong & Sons Constructions, $1.1 million to refurbish existing areas to provide modern contemporary flexible learning environments at Woodbridge District High School. Works have commenced, completion expected in June 2016.
• Tascon Constructions, $500,000 to upgrade administration area, amenities and general learning areas at Oatlands District High School. Works commenced in March, completion expected in June.
• Merlin Constructions, $640,000 to relocate the kindergarten to the main school site at New Norfolk Primary School. Works have commenced, completion expected in June. 
• Bennett Constructions, $1.4 million to refurbish existing areas to provide modern contemporary flexible learning environments at New Norfolk High School. Works have commenced, completion expected in June.
• Stubbs Constructions, $525,000 refurbishing existing areas to provide modern contemporary flexible learning environments at Ulverstone Primary School. Works have commenced, completion is expected in June.
• Vos Constructions, $10 million for refurbishment and construction, general learning areas and specialist facilities including performing arts, hospitality and gym facilities at Latrobe High School. Works have commenced, completion is expected in June 2017.
• Stubbs Constructions, $4.5 million to refurbish the former Acton School site to accommodate students from the School of Special Education North-West, currently using facilities on the Hellyer College site.  Works have commenced, completion is expected in December.
• Hutchinson Builders, $5.8 million to refurbish general learning areas, student support areas and gymnasium at Montrose Bay High School. Works have commenced, completion is expected in January 2017.
• Maveric Builders, $3.6 million for refurbishment and construction of general learning areas, student support and amenities at South Hobart Primary School.  Works have commenced, completion is expected in June 2017. 

These projects will ensure Tasmanian students have access to contemporary and flexible learning facilities where they have the greatest opportunity to explore their passions and discover a path to their future career.

As a Government we are committed to improving educational outcomes with structural change, targeted investment and prioritising students with greatest need.

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training