This meant that:
■ the size and scope had to be large enough to attract the interest of possible partners. The size of the project also had to be large enough to enable DET to adequately evaluate the benefits of PFP and assess its potential for wider application. Discussion with industry suggested that the capital expenditure for a minimum viable project was in the range $50 - $100 million
■ the financing of the project had to be within the current budget capacity of DET
■ the project had to be consistent with the priorities already proposed in the Department's asset acquisition forward program
■ the project needed to be able to be clearly defined, preferably within a coherent geographical area which would enable it to stand alone if required
■ to reduce complexity the project should include only new schools, as these were not encumbered by existing long term service contracts for maintenance, cleaning and security. It was also considered that new schools provided greater flexibility for innovative design, a significant value for money driver in PPP arrangements.