Mr CHANDLER - 2012-05-03
We are learning what your priorities are in government. In June 2010, you announced that a new school for special education would be built at Bellamack for 100 students and constructed in the 2011-12 financial year. I have been concerned about this facility for some time. I have asked for briefings and am still waiting. Here we are, in 2012, with not one dollar allocated in the budget. When will this school be built?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Nearly four years ago, this government made a commitment to spend $30m on special schools throughout the Territory. As well as that $30m commitment, we have also found extra funds, over and above the component of that $30m, for an $11.9m new school at Nemarluk.
The member is right. The undertaking was for construction to start on Bellamack special school as part of that $30m package in the 2011-12 year. However, due to budget constraints, the scoping and design work will occur in the 2012-13 year, and construction will begin in the 2013-14 year. A $10m project, this government is committed to it. This government will see it through and the commitment will be honoured.
In relation to our capital works budget, sacrifices had to be made. It was a reluctant sacrifice on my part. However, I give this assurance in my last Question Time in this House, that school will be built and design work will take place in the 2012-13 financial year.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. Nearly four years ago, this government made a commitment to spend $30m on special schools throughout the Territory. As well as that $30m commitment, we have also found extra funds, over and above the component of that $30m, for an $11.9m new school at Nemarluk.
The member is right. The undertaking was for construction to start on Bellamack special school as part of that $30m package in the 2011-12 year. However, due to budget constraints, the scoping and design work will occur in the 2012-13 year, and construction will begin in the 2013-14 year. A $10m project, this government is committed to it. This government will see it through and the commitment will be honoured.
In relation to our capital works budget, sacrifices had to be made. It was a reluctant sacrifice on my part. However, I give this assurance in my last Question Time in this House, that school will be built and design work will take place in the 2012-13 financial year.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016