$107.6million for new and improved schools in Rockingham and Kwinana

12/1/07
Local children are sharing in the benefits of Western Australia's economic boom with the Carpenter Government investing $107.6million into education infrastructure throughout the Rockingham-Kwinana area during its current term.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the funds would be spent on three new primary schools, a major addition at another local primary school, two new high schools and a TAFE facility.
About $350,000 worth of maintenance work would also be undertaken on existing schools in the local area.
"These new schools will provide students from the Rockingham-Kwinana area with a high quality education that will help prepare them for the future," Mr McGowan said.
"The Carpenter Government is strongly committed to improving education infrastructure and services for children throughout the State - particularly in areas that have previously been neglected."
Major local capital works to be funded include:

• Comet Bay College in Secret Harbour, to be fully completed during Term One this year - $24.9million;
• ? Kwinana Education and Training Precinct (including the new senior high school to be known as Gilmour College and the new Challenger TAFE automotive technology training centre) to open during 2008 - $52.9million;
• Settlers Primary School, Stage Two work to be completed by March this year - $4.5million;
• Bertram Primary School, opening this year - $8.2million;
• new primary school at Waikiki, due to open in 2008 - $9million; and
• upgrade to Baldivis Primary library, due for completion in November 2007 - $250,000.

These works are in addition to the $7.5million that was spent on building the new Comet Bay Primary School, which was completed last year.
The Minister said the population of the Rockingham-Kwinana area was growing rapidly and it was important to plan ahead for the future.
"It is estimated that the population of the Rockingham-Kwinana area will reach 158,600 by 2031 - up from 93,200 in 2006 - and it is essential that quality education services are available to all local residents," he said.
"Living in Rockingham, I know about the growth of Rockingham and Kwinana and how people want a first-class education system.
"New schools and improved facilities are an important part of giving our local young people a first-rate education.
"Part of planning for the future involves the building of new schools and part of it involves maintaining existing schools, such as Warnbro Primary School, Warnbro Community High School and Port Kennedy Primary School.
"Maintenance work is also in the pipeline for primary schools at Koorana, Hillman, Leda, Rockingham Lakes, Secret Harbour, Singleton, Endeavour and Baldivis."
Mr McGowan said all new schools would be equipped for the provision of the latest in computer technology, including cabling and wireless network throughout the classrooms.
Every student and teacher would also have high-speed Internet access.
Minister's office - 9222 9111