The Victorian Government (Australia) has shortlisted two consortia to build 13 new primary schools through the PPP model in Melbourne's growth suburbs.

The two shortlisted teams are the following.

• Learning Communities Victoria composed by Amber, Watpac and Spotless
• Plenary Schools composed by Plenary Group, Hansen Yuncken and DTZ

Request for proposal tender documents will be released to the two short-listed bidders this month, with the successful bidder expected to start construction in late 2015. The 13 schools will open across the 2017 and 2018 school years.

The 13 schools to be delivered under the PPP project are listed below:

• Armstrong Creek Primary School
• Armstrong Creek Special School
• Bannockburn Primary School (relocation of the existing school)
• Casey Central East Primary School
• Cranbourne South West Primary School
• Epping North Primary School
• North Geelong Special Development School
• Heather Grove Primary School (in Clyde North)
• Mernda South Primary School
• Mill Park Lakes East Primary School
• Pakenham South West Primary School
• Point Cook South Prep-9
• Torquay North Primary School

The project will be developed on a design, build, finance and maintenance (DBFM) basis. The contract period is 25 years.

The total project investment is estimated at A$223 million (US$173.6 million).

Premier Daniel Andrews stated:

"We're not wasting a single minute, because kids deserve a quality local education and parents deserve certainty. The Liberals neglected schools in our fastest growing areas - there were more kids in every class and fewer choices for every parent."

Minister for Education, James Merlino, commented:

"This is one of the fastest growing areas in the whole country. They deserve schools and services that can keep up with the growth. The PPP model means better facilities and ongoing upgrades, so principals and teachers can focus on what matters most: giving our kids the best start."