Mr BALDWIN - 1995-02-23
Mr Speaker, I point out that I ask this question on your behalf. Will the minister outline plans for the expanded provision of education in Darwin's rural area?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am well aware of your close interest in this matter. There are some exciting proposals for the development of education facilities in the Darwin rural area, and rightly so given that it is a rapidly expanding area. There is certainly an excellent breeding program in the rural environment, if I may make that observation. Along with the announcement in the current budget of stage 2 for Berry Springs Primary School, which will provide another 4 units with a capacity of 120 primary students, we have now completed a review of the need for a new rural primary school. I acknowledge the work of many people from the rural community, from schools and from the Litchfield Shire Council and others interested in the proposal who have investigated the most appropriate location for a new primary school.
In addition to that new primary school, the NT Christian School Association has announced its intention to establish primary school facilities in the Fred's Pass area. Another exciting development is the growth of Humpty Doo Primary School. Student numbers continue to increase and a decision has been taken to provide a permanent extension to that school.
In relation to the new government school, following the appraisal of site options, the committee proposed a Girraween Road location for development. However, that site proved to be unsuitable because of the condition of the land and the costs associated with expanding services etc. As I announced today, the government has decided that the Fred's Pass Reserve site will be used for the new school which is to be built in 1995-96. It will open in semester 2 of that year. The original cost estimate was about $6m. We understand now that, with that site, the cost will be less than $5m.
Mr Coulter: The best sporting facilities in Australia.
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Mr FINCH: I take up the interjection from the member for Palmerston who has an interest in that area. The facilities at Fred's Pass Reserve are quite extensive and therefore it is most appropriate. One of the features of locating the school there is that it will have direct access to those facilities. It also will be part of the neighbourhood centre that is to be developed near the Litchfield Shire Council facilities. It will also be co-located with the new Christian School and therefore cooperation and the sharing of buses etc will be a feature. The new Christian School has sought land in the area and will be granted that land and the normal funding packages in respect of its establishment.
The estimates for the Humpty Doo extensions are between $1.2m and $1.7m for design in 1995-96. Hopefully, it will be completed in early 1997. That will provide permanent classroom facilities for 120 students and extension of the core facilities in the school accordingly. There probably will be a need for another primary school at some time well into the future on the east side of the highway. We are planning further extensions of Taminmin High School which is doing well in terms of enrolments. In the long term, there may be a need for a new high school in that area. The CLP government acknowledges that growth in the rural area and has planned accordingly. I am delighted to announce that we are getting on with the job with the new rural school and extensions to Humpty Doo Primary School.
Page 439
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am well aware of your close interest in this matter. There are some exciting proposals for the development of education facilities in the Darwin rural area, and rightly so given that it is a rapidly expanding area. There is certainly an excellent breeding program in the rural environment, if I may make that observation. Along with the announcement in the current budget of stage 2 for Berry Springs Primary School, which will provide another 4 units with a capacity of 120 primary students, we have now completed a review of the need for a new rural primary school. I acknowledge the work of many people from the rural community, from schools and from the Litchfield Shire Council and others interested in the proposal who have investigated the most appropriate location for a new primary school.
In addition to that new primary school, the NT Christian School Association has announced its intention to establish primary school facilities in the Fred's Pass area. Another exciting development is the growth of Humpty Doo Primary School. Student numbers continue to increase and a decision has been taken to provide a permanent extension to that school.
In relation to the new government school, following the appraisal of site options, the committee proposed a Girraween Road location for development. However, that site proved to be unsuitable because of the condition of the land and the costs associated with expanding services etc. As I announced today, the government has decided that the Fred's Pass Reserve site will be used for the new school which is to be built in 1995-96. It will open in semester 2 of that year. The original cost estimate was about $6m. We understand now that, with that site, the cost will be less than $5m.
Mr Coulter: The best sporting facilities in Australia.
Page 438
Mr FINCH: I take up the interjection from the member for Palmerston who has an interest in that area. The facilities at Fred's Pass Reserve are quite extensive and therefore it is most appropriate. One of the features of locating the school there is that it will have direct access to those facilities. It also will be part of the neighbourhood centre that is to be developed near the Litchfield Shire Council facilities. It will also be co-located with the new Christian School and therefore cooperation and the sharing of buses etc will be a feature. The new Christian School has sought land in the area and will be granted that land and the normal funding packages in respect of its establishment.
The estimates for the Humpty Doo extensions are between $1.2m and $1.7m for design in 1995-96. Hopefully, it will be completed in early 1997. That will provide permanent classroom facilities for 120 students and extension of the core facilities in the school accordingly. There probably will be a need for another primary school at some time well into the future on the east side of the highway. We are planning further extensions of Taminmin High School which is doing well in terms of enrolments. In the long term, there may be a need for a new high school in that area. The CLP government acknowledges that growth in the rural area and has planned accordingly. I am delighted to announce that we are getting on with the job with the new rural school and extensions to Humpty Doo Primary School.
Page 439
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016