Minister seeks to head off delay in prioritisation process

CAPITAL projects, such as the rebuilding of the La Mare de Carteret Schools, could be pushed back another year if Treasury proposals to delay the States prioritisation process are approved.

However, the attempt could be blocked if an amendment, submitted by Education minister Robert Sillars, pictured, to allow departments to bid for funding in 2013 as previously planned, is successful.

Treasury and Resources minister Deputy Gavin St Pier explained that the change, which will be debated next week as part of the 2013 Budget report, would give time for important reviews to be completed.

The Strategic Asset Management plan, due early next year, will determine the States' land and property needs for the next 20 years, and the Island Infrastructure Plan, to facilitate decision-making for infrastructure investment, is currently being devised.

Deputy Sillars admitted he was eager for the building of a new La Mare de Carteret to receive prioritisation. But he added his amendment was not just about the school.