Construction on Whyalla’s new $100 million secondary school has begun, with South Australian-based Sarah Constructions managing the build.
It is estimated more than 1200 people will be employed locally over the course of the school’s construction, including 240 new full-time jobs.
The build is set to inject millions of dollars into Whyalla’s economy, including the use of 650 tonnes of local steel that will form the structure of the new school.
Sarah Constructions is working with local companies and the Office of the Industry Advocate to maximise local employment and business involvement in the project.
Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan, who visited the site today, said the school’s construction was an exciting time for the local Whyalla community.
“This is a major project that will deliver modern, state-of-the-art school facilities for local students, create jobs in the local Whyalla community and contribute to South Australia’s economic growth, at a time when our state so sorely needs a boost,” said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.
“The Marshall Government has a strong plan to deal with the impact of the coronavirus, and we are supporting the Whyalla region by investing in the local industry and supporting local jobs.
“I’m confident that local families will welcome the beginning of construction and will look forward to seeing their new local school come to life.”
Education Minister John Gardner said the new school will deliver the best possible education facilities for local students.
“By delivering world class, 21st century school infrastructure to Whyalla, we’re supporting the region’s young people to prosper and pursue high quality education,” said Minister Gardner.
“We are excited to engage Sarah Constructions and watch them bring to life a modern, world class design, delivering dynamic and adaptable learning environments for local students and staff.
“This project forms part of our record $1.3 billion investment in education capital works, delivering three new schools and a generational upgrade of schools across the state.”
Adrian Esplin, CEO of Sarah Constructions, said the project was an excellent opportunity for local trades.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the state government to deliver a critical education project for the aspiring Whyalla region,” said Mr Esplin.
“Our people relish the opportunity to work on innovative, bespoke projects that set a new benchmark for education facilities.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for the local trades in the region to be involved and further develop skills in the commercial construction industry.”
The project team has collaborated with representatives of the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation, the native title holders and traditional owners of land across Whyalla, the Eyre Peninsula and the Spencer Gulf, on cultural elements that can be incorporated into the school to acknowledge and respect the history and culture of the Barngarla people.
