$5M allocated for provision of undercover school assembly areas

27/6/96

Details of the second phase of the State Government's $25 million five-year program to provide about 125 schools across the State with covered assembly areas were announced by Education Minister Colin Barnett today.

Mr Barnett said $5 million had been allocated this year for planning and construction of undercover assembly areas in 23 country and city schools.

"Meekatharra District High, Helena Valley Primary, Dianella Heights Primary and Koonawarra Primary are among the schools which will receive new assembly areas," he said.

"All new primary schools are provided with covered assembly areas as a matter of course and it is appropriate that children who attend older schools have access to the same facilities.

"The value of covered assembly areas, particularly in primary schools, has become obvious in recent years.

"They are much more than places to find shelter from the weather. Covered assembly areas have become very important learning areas for a wide range of physical and social activities."

The Minister said many of the new facilities incorporated storage areas and canteens depending on the schools requirements.

All new primary schools were provided with covered assembly areas as a matter of course.

"Architects will be commissioned early next term to begin the program," Mr Barnett said.

During third term, architects are scheduled to visit each of the country and city schools with an Education Department officer to discuss the proposed facility with the local school community.

Tenders are due to be called in November for the new facilities and construction is planned to start soon after Christmas.

Each assembly area is expected to cost between $180,000 and $200,000, depending on site conditions, and will be ready for use midway through next year.

Schools which will receive under cover assembly are:

Bellevue Primary School;

Beverley District High School;

Boulder Primary School (upgrade);

Brookton District High School;

Bunbury Primary School (extension);

Cunderdin District High School;

Dianella Heights Primary School;

Gnowangerup District High School;

Guildford Primary School;

Helena Valley Primary School;

Kensington Primary School;

Kewdale Primary School;

Koonawarra Primary School;

Kyilla Primary School;

Lake Grace District High School;

Maddington Primary School;

Meekatharra District High School;

Mosman Park Primary School;

Newborough Primary School;

South Merredin Primary School;

Sutherland Primary School;

Wembley Downs Primary School; and -

Woodlands Primary School.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444