RFI - GSLC MCU230096 College Principal Supporting Letter 210324

associated with the approval of this and prerequisite projects, we are nearing the end of the
second and final extension of this funding. The College is at risk of losing the $1.4m in
funding if we cannot demonstrate commencement prior to the end of this year.

The Performing Arts Centre is likely to have a build cost of greater than $8 million, Whilst
the government funding is essential, the College is likely to need to fund more than $7
million of the project’s cost. This is significant capital expenditure on a site that has not seen
a significant College building since 2010. It is not an expenditure the College would commit
to if there was any doubt regarding its importance to the College. This project and projects
indicated on the master plan are a significant long term commitment to the College
remaining an important part of Noosa Shire’s education offerings.


Community Benefit
Whilst the majority of the benefit of the proposed project is appropriately current and future
student oriented, it also the case that the addition of this facility will be of direct and indirect
benefit to the wider community.

The College’s current co-curricular program is supported by 14 instrumental music tutors.
The College retaining and potentially building on levels of student engagement with
Performing Arts provides ongoing opportunity for these largely self-employed tutors.

As indicated above, the proposed facility has as its focus College classroom and co-
curricular use. However, as is the case for other College facilities, we would expect that it
would be available for compatible community use. For example, our current gymnasium
supports a range of community sport groups. Our approach is to support community access
with low usage costs that typically do not seek to cover operating costs.

The College values our place in Noosa Shire and in our shire’s educational offerings
specifically. We see it as important for the current community that they have a range of
quality education options including a quality independent school offering. If our facilities are
not developed and enhanced as proposed in the master plan, there is a risk that the
College will not meet the expectations of the region’s current families or those who may be
considering relocating to Noosa Shire for work. Anecdotally, and more generally, we know
that families with children will prioritise regions that provide the educational options they
value. We believe Good Shepherd has an ongoing important part to play along with the
other quality education providers in Noosa Shire.


Parking & Pick up - Drop Off
We understand there will always be concerns regarding parking and vehicle movement
around schools at peak times. Whilst documentation associated with this application is
comprehensive, for clarity here, the College is committed to optimising traffic and parking
outcomes for the general community and for our parents. We are not at odds with
community expectation, as a good outcome for the community, is a good outcome for
families of the College.

Regarding our proposed major reconfiguration of the car parking and pick up, the architect
was given the scope to go beyond adjustments, such as those in the deed, to the existing
historical car parks. Even though this has resulted in a greater footprint and will require the