Gnowangerup College - Quarterly update

Gnowangerup College Activation Quarterly Update

Activities at the former Gnowangerup Agricultural School continue to progress steadily, with significant work undertaken across infrastructure, land activation planning, environmental management and operational establishment.  Over recent months, the focus has been toward transitioning the site into a functional operational base while simultaneously progressing longer-term planning and partnership opportunities. Key activities have included office establishment works, facility inspections, safety and compliance planning, grounds maintenance, stakeholder engagement and strategy development.

A major milestone during the period was the successful Community Meet and Greet event held onsite in March, which brought together community members, Wagyl Kaip representatives, staff and stakeholders for an opportunity to reconnect with the site and discuss future opportunities.

Planning and governance activities have remained a major focus. This has included development of risk registers, management routines, communications planning, grant tracking, budgeting and infrastructure assessments. Work has also progressed regarding lease arrangements, land access, and security improvements.

Significant effort has also gone into improving the condition and presentation of the site. Our Rangers, site staff and also contractors have undertaken vegetation clearing, rubbish removal, fencing preparation, hazardous tree management, equipment relocation and other works across multiple areas of the campus. These also included investigations relating to plumbing, roofing, electrical systems, fire protection, termite inspections and accommodation facilities.  Shout out also to Fergus for his excellent work with drone surveying, Sean for his fire safety and archeological advice, and to everyone who has helped out with community and staff events and behind the scenes.

We are receiving strong support from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Department of Education (DoE), Department of Housing and Works (DoHW) and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH).  In the coming weeks, DPLH will be remediating areas that are contaminated with asbestos, hydrocarbons and animal by-products.  This will be supported by our Ranger team, funded by DPLH.  DoE has provided funds for yard works (underway), while DPIRD is providing support for economic activation and land use.  One of the activities being planned currently is the restoration of a waterway on the property, this is being further supported by a donation from Ausgold, which allows us to purchase necessary equipment.  We hope to report more on this and our other activities in coming months.