Construction work is underway at 17 primary schools across the Illawarra and South Coast, as the first stage of the Building the Education Revolution is put into action.
More than $70 million from the Federal Government's $14.7 billion program has been allocated for the region. Work now taking place has been funded by the first round of the Primary Schools for the 21st Century element of the BER.
The first work began at Kangaroo Valley Public School on July 30, after the school received $850,000 for a new library. Nowra-based Pearce & Percy Constructions will undertake the work, with other businesses and individuals set to also reap the benefits.
Local sub-contractors will be used, including Oak Flats' Geoff Reynolds Roofing, South Coast Welding and Fabrications and Nowra Emergency Plumbing. Pearce & Percy have also taken on an apprentice from Nowra for the project.
All contracts have now been awarded for the 17 schools and construction, where not already started, is set to begin within two weeks.
Work began at Austinmer Public School last week for the creation of a $2 million new school hall. Batemans Bay company Edwards Constructions will complete the project, which is expected to take six months.
Principal Paul Petersen said the work was causing some noise but otherwise disruption was minimal to students.
"The kids are loving the construction work," he said.
"It's fun having diggers on site - especially for the boys."
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