Construction work on a $10 million upgrade of the site of the new high school in Goolwa has begun.
The school will be one of four new public schools set to open across South Australian in 2022 as part of the Marshall Liberal Government's record-breaking $1.3 billion education build.
The project is expected to create many local job opportunities, with project manager Schiavello Construction setting local engagement targets for the required workforce to deliver the upgrade.
Last year, the Government reached an agreement with Investigator College to purchase the land and buildings at is former Goolwa campus, located on the corner of Cadell Street and Glendale Grove in Goolwa.
It is estimated that the school will attract around 400 students, though that figure may increase with anticipated growth in the area.
Education Minister John Gardner said the beginning of construction was a significant milestone.
"Goolwa is the largest town in South Australia not to have a public high school offering, and the long overdue establishment of this school will provide some relief on the capacity pressures at nearby schools in Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn and Mount Compass," said Minister Gardner.
"We are now a significant step closer to this school being opened in Term 1, 2022.
"This is fantastic news for local families, as this school will be community asset that will support the area as it grows in the coming years."
Local Member for Finniss and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the community was excited about the new school opening next year.
"The establishment of this new school will provide one of the biggest positive impacts for the Goolwa community in generations," said Minister Basham.
"This school has been sorely needed for years and local families will be excited to see work beginning on the $10 million upgrade of the site.
"It is also fantastic to see Schiavello Construction set targets around local employment, which will see the Goolwa community directly benefit with job opportunities from this work."
To find out more about the Marshall Government's $1.3 billion education capital works program, visit education.sa.gov.au.
