Page 1963 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 June 2015
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MS BURCH: I thank Mr Doszpot for his question. On Monday I was very pleased to join the principal of Belconnen High School and make the announcement that will see that commitment being honoured. The price is different; make no mistake about that. It is different because we have been working with the school community over the last 18 months to finalise their needs. The principal has said to me that this delivers everything that the school community needs.
What it will see is a complete refurb across all the learning areas. What it will deliver is a new outdoor recreational and learning space. That will be delivered by the end of this calendar year. What it will see is a connecting building. If you look from the road, on the left side across that courtyard you will see a building for admin and a visitors’ area being built on the right of the building. It will completely change the feel and look of the school. It will take a school which is 40 years old, or thereabouts, and turn it into a modern, contemporary learning place fit for 600 students of the next generation and beyond.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, why has the project been cut by a reported $8.2 million?
MS BURCH: I would have thought those opposite would have applauded us for working with the community and delivering a project for less. They complain if it costs more; they complain if it costs less. The school community, through the principal, has said it provides everything the school community desires. It will refurb the entire school. It will build new areas for admin and visitors. It will create an outdoor learning area and recreational space. It is of great benefit and a great lift to the Belconnen community.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, has the scope of works proposed for Belconnen High School been narrowed or reduced from the original 2012 election commitment?
MS BURCH: They come with their set questions. They stand up and read their question and they do not listen to the answer provided. The commitment was to refurbish the school’s learning areas. This will deliver that. The commitment was to provide new buildings for visitors and for admin. This will deliver that.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, how can people associated with Belconnen High School be certain that this is not just another election promise re-announced, as it has been since 2012?
MS BURCH: Because the school community have been involved, and they will be involved over the latter part of this calendar year, in the detailed design. They will get a say in the look and feel of the colours and the amenity within this refurbed school. By the end of this calendar year they will have a new recreation area. We have
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