Concept plans have been released for major redevelopments at two primary schools, worth a combined $40.1 million.
South George Town Primary School will receive a $15.1 million upgrade, while Dodges Ferry Primary School is set for a $25 million redevelopment as part of the state’s $188 million School Building Blitz.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the upgrades would deliver world-class educational facilities across 15 schools statewide.
“We’re continuing our strong record of delivering facilities that support our students to grow and thrive,” he said.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the concept plans were shaped by extensive consultation with students, staff and local communities.
“We know schools are at the heart of communities and we want them to be shaped by the people who will use them,” she said.
Dodges Ferry’s redevelopment features a brand new kindergarten and flexible learning environments designed for 21st-century education.
The South George Town upgrade will include refurbished classrooms, modern learning spaces, upgraded bathrooms and roof repairs. A new library will blend with a reading room and breakfast club area.
South George Town Principal Brett Hay said he was initially thrilled to receive $1.5 million in funding before learning the actual amount was $15 million.
“We were absolutely stoked that we had $1.5 million and then they rang us up and said oh no it’s 15 million,” he said.
The school currently has 210 students, with capacity to grow as the George Town industrial hub develops.
Year 6 students have already worked with architects on the concept plans, providing input on the designs they’ll leave as their legacy.
“Those grade sixes are the first people to see the renders and they’re really really excited,” he said.
“The only downside for them is they won’t be here to see it because they’re grade sixes but as they said they’ll be excited to come back and see their input and their legacy will be in the design of those buildings.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion expected in 2029.
