Students are due to begin at the new Brighton high school in 2025

The State Government has revealed the location for a new high school in the fast-growing suburb of Brighton.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has announced the location of a new Brighton high school. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

THE State Government will compulsorily acquire land to build a new $30 million high school at Brighton, with construction due to begin in 2022.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the State Government aimed for the school to be open to students in 2025.

Mr Rockliff said a new high school was needed to cater for one of the state’s fastest growing communities.

“We are working closely with the Brighton Council and the community to deliver this exciting project, to ensure we provide the best possible outcomes for learners and the Brighton community,” Mr Rockliff said.

The location for the new school is 10 hectares of land is currently paddocks on Elderslie Rd near Brighton Rd.

“Following extensive community consultation, the Government will now commence the process to compulsory acquire 10 hectares of 33 Elderslie Road in Brighton to allow for this significant project to begin,” Mr Rockliff said.

“The approval of both Minister Roger Jaensch to use the Crowns Lands Act and Minister Guy Barnett to use the Land Acquisition Act is required under this process.

“The decision to progress down this path is not made lightly and the land acquisition process will occur in accordance with relevant laws. Those laws will protect the interests of the affected owners, and will ensure that they are appropriately compensated.”

Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said council welcomed the government’s decision, which provided certainty to the community.

Cr Foster said Council had been working for many years to secure the high school development to cater for the significant growth in the municipality and the surrounding region.

“Our population is relatively young and with hundreds of children travelling from Brighton for their education every school day, there is a growing need for the new high school here,” Cr Foster said.

“State Treasury has forecast that Brighton will be Tasmania’s fastest growing municipality over the next two and a half decades, with the population predicted to rise to more than 24,000 by 2045. It is vital the appropriate services and facilities are provided to cater for this population growth and the provision of education opportunities is vitally important in any healthy and growing community.”

A concept plan for the new school is due to be released late this year.