The Hodgman Liberal Government is investing more than ever before in Education.
This record investment includes the targeted upgrading of our education infrastructure because we know contemporary learning spaces are vital to improving education outcomes.
The $110 million investment in education infrastructure is the biggest investment in school infrastructure in this state in over 20 years – so this means better schools and more jobs from this capital injection.
This financial year we are investing more than $56 million on capital projects.
In the 12 months to June this year, more than 55 major contracts have been signed, primarily with local companies plus 22 contracts with construction consultancies including architects. This is more than $60 million worth of business injected into the Tasmanian economy.
So while new contemporary school environments provide excellent spaces to inspire learning - they also mean local jobs across the building and construction sector.
Treasury estimates that $60 million in government contracts could equate to up to 360 jobs in the building and construction industries and a further 360 other jobs through the multiplier effect. This equates to up to 720 jobs in Tasmania as a result of this government investment.
These are real jobs at companies like Fairbrother Pty Ltd, Bennett Construction, Voss Constructions, Stubbs Constructions, Wyatt Constructions, TasCon Constructions and a raft of architectural firms and trade contractors.
The fruits of this investment can now be enjoyed by students at Lauderdale Primary School, Bothwell District High School, Oatlands District High School, Ulverstone Primary School, Rokeby High School, Cressy District High School and Cooee Primary School, where works have recently been completed.
Works are also expected to be completed soon at Woodbridge School, Strahan Primary School, New Norfolk High School and at the Burnie LINC.
I’m proud of this investment in our education infrastructure, especially after 16 years of Labor left our schools in dire need of an upgrade.
Infrastructure upgrades will continue throughout the year and across the forward estimates and will include (where required) work to extend schools to years 11 and 12 and works to prepare our schools for a 6 month younger Prep starting age.
Labor wants to take both of these opportunities away from Tasmanian parents.
They do not support Education in this state – they have no credibility when it comes to education and no credibility when it comes to jobs.
The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to ensure a win-win for the education of our young people and for our booming building and construction sectors.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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