Shovels are in the ground and construction has begun on the first group of school upgrades across South Australia, providing a massive construction jobs boost to the state.
The Marshall Government is investing $1.3 billion into education capital works, at around 100 schools across South Australia, including the construction of three brand new schools. Together they comprise the biggest capital investment in education by any state government in South Australia's history.
Thousands of jobs will be created over the next two years, playing a particularly important role in South Australia's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Premier Steven Marshall, who visited Parafield Gardens High School today, said the construction jobs boost comes at a critical time for the state's economy.
"This is a critical time to be breaking ground on our $1.3 billion education capital works build, which will deliver thousands of construction jobs for South Australians," said Premier Marshall.
"With many of these projects scheduled to be completed before the end of next year, this massive building program will play a key role in supporting jobs across the state as we recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus.
"I'm confident that many families across South Australia will welcome these much-needed upgrades as they will deliver modern, state-of-the-art facilities for our students."
The Government has also released new concept images that are now available for ten schools set for upgrades, worth $66 million, including:
- A new performing arts building with a 150 seat theatre, planetarium with full dome ceiling and a new plaza at Hamilton Secondary College
- The redevelopment of three buildings at Christies Beach High School to accommodate Year 7s while refurbishing science and humanities areas, as well as upgrades to the front of the school
- 16 new learning areas and refurbishments to specialist facilities at Wirreanda Secondary School
- Upgrades to multiple metropolitan primary schools including Greenwith, Elizabeth North, Ardtornish and Aldinga Beach B-7 School; and
- Significant upgrades to regional schools including John Pirie Secondary School, Moonta Area School and Kingston Community School.
Education Minister John Gardner said the capital works program would be transformational for many schools.
"This $1.3 billion capital works program will create jobs and boost South Australia's economy, while also delivering a generational upgrade of schools across the state," said Minister Gardner.
"I am sure that families will be eager to see these concept plans for upgrades to their local school and will closely monitor the progress of construction as those concepts come to life.
"We are meeting a range of critical needs in our education system, including lifting capacity for schools in areas with rapidly growing public school enrolments, improving facilities that sorely need it, and ensuring that Year 7 transitions into high school."
Parafield Gardens High School, Salisbury High School, Paralowie School, Gawler and District College, Ceduna Area School and Murray Bridge High School have all begun construction, supporting local jobs across varying parts of the state.
You can view progress on all school being upgraded as part of the capital works program on the Education Department website.
