Roger Jaensch,Minister for Education, Children and Youth
A contemporary physical environment for learning contributes to student engagement and improved outcomes and the Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to prioritise the infrastructure that our learners need.
Our Government has delivered on our 2018 election commitment to redevelop Devonport High School, with $10.5 million invested in new facilities that will be utilised by staff and students before the end of Term 1.
The works feature major upgrades to A, B and C Blocks, and include new school administration facilities and learning areas, upgrades to car parking, and new support facilities and drama space with retractable seating.
Improved accessibility has also been a major focus of the upgrades, with ramps and lifts installed in key areas to ensure facilities can be accessed by people with a disability.
Funding of $3.5 million was brought forward for the project as part of our Government’s COVID-19 economic stimulus package in 2020 to support the Tasmanian economy during a critical time in the pandemic.
This significant project not only has long-term benefits for the school community, it has also supported Tasmanian businesses.
Local firms ARTAS Architects and Meadcon Building and Construction designed and delivered the project.
Meadcon Building and Construction’s Tim Mead said the company had been focused on delivering a great outcome for students and staff at Devonport High School.
“The school’s team has been fantastic to work with and it’s been great to be able to deliver new facilities that will support teaching and learning for the Devonport community for years to come,” Mr Mead said.
“The construction phase of the project came at an uncertain time for the local building industry with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided important continuity for our workers and suppliers.”
The project supported more than 120 jobs during the construction phase.
Since 2014, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has delivered a record investment in new education infrastructure, which includes a total capital investment in the 2021-22 Budget and Forward Estimates of $271.8 million over four years.
The redevelopment of Devonport High School is an investment in our learners in the North West both now and into the future.
