Upgrade work still remains

THE upgrades to Kiama High School are not yet complete, despite Kiama MP Matt Brown saying two weeks ago he had made an official handover of the final stage.

Principal Graeme Sutherland said the official handover had not yet taken place, which was confirmed by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Education.

An education department spokesman said the upgrades to the building would be complete at the end of June.

Mr Sutherland said there was still work to be completed, including landscaping, some balustrading, moving light fittings and putting another finish on the floor on one level.

"We're using it and are really very happy with the facility. The landscaping isn't complete but the rest of stuff you probably wouldn't notice," he said.

Mr Brown said this week that although he had not been present for what he had said was the official handover, his understanding was that the works were finished.

The most recent upgrade works were the final stage of a two-part project worth more than $10 million.

This second stage was jointly funded by the state and federal governments, with each contributing about half the cost.

Asked why his announcement had not mentioned the Federal Government's contribution, Mr Brown said, "They are always putting money in to upgrade schools."