APY Lands school redevelopment costs increase for second time
The costs of a school redevelopment in the APY Lands have increased again, with the government announcing more than $10 million in additional funding.
Fregon Anangu School, located on the APY Lands 1400km north-west of Adelaide, has received an additional $12.2 million in funding from the state government, bringing the project total to $33.2 million.
An additional $1.5 million was added to the project in October 2023, after the redevelopment was initially announced in 2018.
Exceeded estimates and complexities arising from the remote location have been blamed as part of the reason for the cost blowout, with Education Minister Blair Boyer saying the project was facing “challenging market conditions… due to the very strong demand for both public and private sector projects”.
“This has been a challenging project to progress not only given the impact of COVID, and the ability for contractors to visit this remote location, but in terms of the worldwide supply shortages and supply chain disruptions for this work,” Boyer said.
“In terms of equity for the students learning, the State Government has remained committed to delivering on this project.”
You might like
The upgrade plans include the construction of new buildings and food technology and administration facilities, with external works and landscaping also set to be delivered.
Fregon Anangu school principal Sara Porzio said the new facilities and refurbishment delivered “over the next year or so” would give staff and students better access to “modern teaching and learning opportunities”.
“With the school being an important hub within this remote community, we are very excited to see this major project get underway,” Porzio said.
According to the Education Department, there were 65 students enrolled in the school as of term 3, 2023.
Sarah Constructions has been appointed to undertake the development, with works expected to commence later this year.
