Thursday, 2 May 2019

Western Victoria Region

In reply to Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (19 March 2019)

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education)

As you are aware, Chilwell Primary School was allocated $2.41 million for the upgrade and modernisation of its facilities by the Andrews Labor Government.

I am advised that Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) staff have continuously engaged with the school and school council throughout the design stages of this project. Unfortunately, the option of a two-storey building was over budget by nearly $3,102 million beyond the amount allocated in the State Budget.

The VSBA has informed me that, on 24 August 2018, three refurbishment design options were presented to the principal, school council and senior staff, and a preferred option was selected. On 19 September 2018, the chosen design was presented to the principal, school council and senior staff along with colour and material samples, which the principal confirmed after the meeting.

The flexible learning general purpose classrooms were designed to expand through the circulation space. As requested by the school, sliding doors will provide the flexibility to work in groups. Considering that the footprint of the building has not changed, the school is not losing space but, rather, having spaces repurposed in line with the needs of the school.

On 22 January 2019, the VSBA undertook further consultation with the principal, assistant-principal and school council president. The purpose of the meeting was to clarify and review the tender documentation prior to the start of tender, on 7 February 2019. Furthermore, VSBA staff visited the school on 30 January 2019 to review and confirm the electrical layout of power and data points with the school principal.

The VSBA visited the school again on 14 February 2019, as part of the tender process with four local builders to perform a site inspection. On 13 of March 2019, the school was informed of a successful tender outcome and agreed to meet upon the engagement of a building contractor to discuss strategies moving forward.

I am further advised that a building contractor was officially appointed on 19 of March 2019 and a construction start-up meeting was held on 25 March 2019. Construction will commence during the April 2019 school holidays for stage 1, with the expected completion of stage 1 and 2 scheduled for later this year.

I trust this information is of assistance.