Automatic reticulation systems in 13 schools by end of next year

21/10/98

Ten primary and three senior high schools will have automatic reticulation systems installed by the end of next year in round two of a $9.9 million initiative to improve school grounds around Western Australa.

Education Minister Colin Barnett said today the 13 schools next in line in the program were: Central Midlands Senior High School; Dianella Heights Primary School; Falls Road Primary School (Lesmurdie); Forrestdale Primary School; Glendale Primary School (Hamersley); Hampton Senior High School (Morley); Lockridge Senior High School; Lynwood Primary School; Manning Primary School; Mount Pleasant Primary School; Redcliffe Primary School; Spencer Park Primary School (Albany); Wattleup Primary School.

A total of 19 schools have now been included in the program. Mr Barnett said that following completion of work at these schools, automatic reticulation systems would be installed at a further 132 schools by the end of 2001, taking the total number of schools included in the four-year initiative to 151.

"The Government is fulfilling its 1996 election commitment by carrying out the $9.9 million reticulation initiative, which is seeing inefficient surface pipes, hoses and sprinklers replaced with automated ground watering systems," the Minister said.

"Above-ground pipe systems, particularly those used for watering large ovals, are wasteful and inefficient and they can only be operated during daylight hours for the safety of gardening staff.

"In the longer term, the efficient automatic watering systems will reduce water wastage and therefore save money when compared to manual watering programs.

"Where feasible, this initiative will make use of bores or recycled effluent water and power at off- peak rates. Savings will be redirected back into the classroom."

Preliminary investigative work will begin immediately. It is expected that design and installation will cost about $47,000 at primary schools and approximately $75,000 in secondary schools.

Mr Barnett said the 19 schools involved in the reticulation programs had been identified through a selection process developed in conjunction with schools, gardeners and parents, represented by the WA Council of State School Organisations.

Media contact: Justine Whittome, Minister's office, (08) 9222 9699

Robyn Cash, Education Department of WA, (08) 9264 5348