SOUTHBANK PPP PROJECT JUDGED BEST IN WORLD

The leading public private partnership (PPP) project in Queensland has been judged ‘Best Global Project’ in a prestigious international awards competition.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the honour in the Public Private Finance Awards confirmed the Southbank Education and Training Precinct was setting new standards for education and training facilities around the globe.

“The $550 million Southbank Institute redevelopment project has been globally recognised as being the best example of a public private partnership,” Mr Welford said.

“The Public Private Finance Awards celebrate industry best practice in public private partnerships, attracting entries from around the world.

“This award is a significant achievement for the Southbank Institute of Technology, the Government and our partners in this project, Axiom Education.

“In bestowing the honour on the Southbank project, the judges recognised it met the criteria best with its innovation, design quality and sustainability, financial efficiency and effective risk assessment and management.”

The Southbank PPP is the Queensland Government’s first private sector development partnership.

“When completed, these new facilities will allow Southbank Institute of Technology to deliver world-class training in some of the most technologically advanced buildings in Australia,” Mr Welford said.

“Stage One is due for completion in July this year, with construction expected to be fully completed by the end of 2008. The redevelopment involves the construction of eight teaching blocks, comprising 11 new and four refurbished buildings.

Axiom Education Queensland is a partnership of ABN Amro, John Holland and Spotless Facilities Management to redevelop the Southbank Institute of Technology for the Queensland Government

Axiom Education has designed the new look campus and is constructing and maintaining new and renovated buildings on the site over a 34-year period.

After that, the responsibility for the facility will transfer to the Queensland Government.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000