• Premier and the Minister for Education and Training turn sod on $8.4 million upgrade to Southern River College
• Contract, awarded to ADCO Constructions, is one of the first awarded under new WA Industry Participation Strategy
• ADCO's participation plan demonstrates a commitment to using local content and estimates they will employ up to 190 local workers on the project  

One of the first projects awarded under the McGowan Government's WA Jobs Law has hit the ground running, with ADCO Constructions set to employ up to 190 local workers.

Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery were joined by Southern River MLA Terry Healy to turn the sod on the $8.4 million project to upgrade Southern River College.

A key election commitment, construction on the college upgrades is one of the pilot projects of the new McGowan Government WA Industry Participation Strategy, underpinned by the WA Jobs Law.

Under the strategy, prospective suppliers of government contracts are now required to submit participation plans as part of their tender, outlining their commitments to engage local workers.

Once a contract has been awarded, the approved participation plan will then be incorporated into the contracts of successful suppliers to ensure they deliver upon their commitments to local industry.

The Southern River College tender was awarded to ADCO Constructions, which submitted a local participation plan with the majority of content to be sourced in Western Australia.

It is estimated the project will directly and indirectly employ up to 190 workers, including 37 apprentices.

When completed the upgrade will include a new sports hall and courts, refurbishment of the science and STEM facilities, a lecture theatre for 120 students and a performing arts centre with seating capacity for 250 people.

The state-of-the-art new facilities will support the college's sports, STEM, performing arts and academic programs.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"The State Government spends about $27 billion a year on goods, services and works for the community. As a government, we are doing all we can to ensure local businesses receive a bigger share of this work.

"I'm pleased to see that construction on one of our key election commitments will be undertaken by a company that is committed to maximising Western Australian content and employing local workers.

"My Government is committed to putting Western Australian jobs first. This is a win-win situation - local businesses, local workers and local students will all benefit from the upgrades to Southern River College."

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

"The college will transform into a state-of-the-art school with modern sports facilities, science laboratories and a performing arts centre.

"The new STEM facilities will provide students with opportunities to continue their specialist studies in mechatronics, electronics, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and biological sciences."

Comments attributed to Southern River MLA Terry Healy:

"As a former teacher at Southern River College before entering Parliament, I know firsthand how important these upgrades are in helping prepare our local students for the jobs of the future.

"I'm thrilled to be part of a government that is delivering on our commitment to new facilities at the college."

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700