Labor slams government over the ‘mismanagement’ of Brighton High School land acquisition despite school being built

It’s been revealed that the land upon which the future $74m Brighton High School is being built has yet to be fully acquired by the state government. The project is nearly 150 per cent over budget.

Shadow Minister for Education and early years Josh Willie MLC. Picture: Chris Kidd

Labor has accused the state government of “mismanagement” after revelations the land upon which the future Brighton High School, currently under construction, had not yet been fully acquired.

Education minister Roger Jaensch confirmed the acquisition process has not been finalised after taking a question on notice in the Legislative Council.

In March 2020, the government announced it will compulsorily acquire land to build a new $30m high school at Brighton. The school’s construction was meant to begin in 2022.

Education Minister Roger Jaensch announced in February of this year the construction had begun on the $74m development which will accommodate up to 600 students.

Labor education spokesman Josh Willie said the project had blown out of budget by $44m because of the state government’s failure to meet its 2018 election commitment.

Artist's impression of the proposed Brighton High School. Pic: Jaws Architects.

“Now, four months on the minister has confirmed that there has been no progress on the compulsory land acquisition, raising further questions about the government’s ability to deliver important infrastructure projects,” he said.

“Here we have another example of their incompetence managing infrastructure projects and the economy, with a question mark now over their promise to finish Brighton High in time for the 2025 school year.”

Mr Jaensch said the Department of Education has acquired the land Brighton High School is being built on but that “negotiations on the final compensation amount with the former owner are ongoing”.

L-R Education Minister Roger Jaensch, Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray, Liberal Lyons MP John Tucker and Fairbrother southern Tasmania manager Phillip de Jong turning the first sod for the new Brighton High School. Picture: File

“Importantly, Brighton High School’s completion and opening in 2025 is not impacted by the finalisation of the acquisition costs and it remains on track,” Mr Jaensch said.

He said the state government was investing $255m in education infrastructure projects, including new builds at Brighton and Legana, both underway, and major redevelopments of the North West Support School, Sorell School, Hobart City High School, Cambridge Primary School, Exeter High School, Lauderdale Primary School, Montello Primary School and Cosgrove High School.