Five schools in the North-West of the State are set to benefit from major upgrades and new state-of-the-art facilities.
Funding from the State Government's Royalties for Regions $100.5million Regional Schools program will provide significant upgrades to Karratha Senior High School, Carnarvon Senior High School, Derby District High School, Broome Senior High School and Hedland Senior High School.
Education Minister Liz Constable said increased investment in regional schools would ensure students living in regional areas have access to modern facilities.
"Students and staff learning and working in schools in the north of our State can look forward to enjoying state-of-the-art facilities and spending their time in very comfortable surroundings," Dr Constable said.
"The recent State Budget demonstrates our commitment to improving school buildings and specialist learning areas, particularly in regional parts of Western Australia.
"Regional students must be given the best chance to succeed, and these school upgrades will help them achieve their goals."
The Minister said Karratha Senior High School would receive an extra $9million from Royalties for Regions to provide recreation facilities, adding to the $46million already committed for the completion of the second stage of redevelopment by mid-2013.
"This school was a priority for redevelopment," she said.
"Last year, the first stage, the new senior school on the Pilbara TAFE site, was completed. Under the second stage of the redevelopment, students in years 8 to 10 will relocate to new facilities on the same site as the senior school."
Planning for the projects and consultation with schools about the proposed works will begin this year.
Carnarvon Senior High School
· $7million to provide a new library and the refurbishment of materials technology and food technology rooms. Many classrooms also to be refurbished with new paint, carpet and furniture. Construction expected to start in 2013, expected completion early 2014.
Derby District High School
· $15million to provide new facilities for primary school students and improved specialist facilities for secondary students. Construction of a new primary school block consisting of six classrooms, staff and storage areas, and new toilets. Secondary facilities will comprise a home economics studio, science laboratory, performing arts and music spaces. Project expected to commence mid-2011, and be completed about December 2013.
Broome Senior High School
· $10million to improve specialist curriculum areas and student services to support the retention and engagement of students. A new performing arts, music and media facility will be built, with new staff area and student services areas. Planning to commence this year, project completion expected about December 2013.
Hedland Senior High School
· $6million to provide contemporary specialist facilities and upgraded external presentation of the school. The project includes a new language/dance centre and cafe, the refurbishment of a sports hall, materials technology, art and music facilities. New undercover spaces, landscaping, painting and re-roofing of all buildings will occur. Planning has commenced. Project due to be completed about December 2012.
Karratha Senior High School
· An extra $9million in funding from Royalties for Regions is being spent to complete the second stage of the redevelopment of this school bringing the total spending to $55million. The extra funding will provide a sports hall and school oval. Planning is under way, works expected to be completed about mid-2012.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said regional schools were a priority for the State Government, with the recently released State Budget allocating $100.5million to refitting and rebuilding schools in regional areas.
"Students going to schools in regional and remote areas need to have modern facilities to ensure access to a quality education close to home," Mr Grylls said.
Minister's office - 9222 9699
