The planned new schools were located in areas of urban growth and based schools on assessments of long-term enrolments. The Department prepares annual demographic projections for new growth areas. Broadly speaking, it considers the need for a new primary school for every 1,600 - 2,000 dwellings and a new high school for very 4,500-6,000 dwellings. It aims to cater for the long-term enrolment pattern of an area in permanent accommodation, with demountables holding peak enrolments.
Whilst long-term enrolments appear to have been properly assessed, there were a number of changes made to the lists of schools as detailed planning and negotiation progressed. This was due to several factors arising from council approvals, consultation with stakeholders and the actual timing of construction. In some cases the changes were little more than a change in name or a minor change in location, but in some cases schools were deleted from the lists and new schools substituted. This affected the competitive process in both contracts.
We agree with comment in the post implementation review that it is desirable to have a high degree of certainty of outcome when entering into a PFP contract. It is also important that bidders are not asked to plan and cost schools that do not proceed.