Tasmanian government commits to ‘record investment’ in education

Tasmanian Premier Jo Palmer has announced a $320 million investment in capital investments in education, including $32 million to build four ‘super-sized’ Child and Family Learning Centres at Longford, Huonville, Scottsdale and Smithton.

Each Child and Family Learning centre will be built specifically for the local community, with a Local Enabling Group that includes service providers, local families and educators to be established to guide the design and services of the new centres.

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector will also be consulted on the new centres.

“Building new and improved schools right across our State is a key part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” Minister Palmer said.

The $320 million in new projects include a $188 million School Building Blitz that will deliver upgrades at 15 schools across Tasmania, which includes a $25 million redevelopment of Dodges Ferry Primary School.

Other schools to receive major upgrades include:

• Burnie Primary School
• Campbell Town District High School
• Clarence High School
• Deloraine High School
• Havenview Primary School
• East Derwent Primary School
• Lindisfarne North Primary School
• Mowbray Heights Primary School
• Port Dalrymple School
• Princes Street Primary School
• Ringarooma Primary School
• Risdon Vale Primary School
• Rosetta Primary School
• South George Town Primary School

“Initial planning assessments to deliver the high-priority works at each school are underway, with a timeline for the works under development as part of the 2024-25 Tasmanian Budget process,” Minister Palmer added.

As well as property investments, the funding will include an allocation for attracting and retaining teachers in regional areas, another key priority of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future plan.

“We have committed $15 million to build or upgrade teacher housing in our rural and remote communities,” Minister Palmer said.

“I’m pleased to announce work is already well advanced to scope upgrades to existing houses and identify sites for new homes in areas of high need.”

“Importantly, engagement with schools and key stakeholders will occur to ensure these facilities meet the needs of our teachers.”