New primary school to be built in Carey Park

23/10/96

Education Minister Colin Barnett has announced that a new primary school will be built in Carey Park.

The Minister made the announcement in response to a question in Parliament yesterday from Bunbury MLA Ian Osborne.

Mr Barnett has requested the Education Department to begin a community consultation process to establish a suitable site for the new school.

The new school will replace the existing Carey Park Primary School, which is on a small site and has buildings which require consistent and extensive maintenance.

The Minister said Carey Park Primary School was one of the first schools he visited after becoming Education Minister and that he was well aware of its conditions.

"I visited the school in February and I must say that of the more than 120 schools I have visited this year, Carey Park Primary School is in urgent need of major work," he said.

"It is now at the stage where it will be better to replace the whole school rather than make significant upgrades. The Education Department will allocate money for a new school in its 1997-98 capital works budget.

"The new school will cost about $3.5 million. In addition to classrooms and a double-unit pre-primary centre, the new school will include a library/resource centre, rooms for art/craft and music, a covered assembly area including a canteen and sports store, and an administration block.

"An oval and hard court playing areas will also be developed."

Mr Barnett said a site for the school had not yet been identified and discussions on alternatives would now begin between the Education Department and the City of Bunbury.

"It is likely that possible joint community use of some of the school facilities will be discussed," he said.

"The local community will be consulted about their preferences for where the school should be sited and the facilities they think will be appropriate."

As a first step, Education Department officers will visit the school and arrange to meet with parents and interested community members.

Mr Barnett said he expected that the new school would be completed in 1998.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (09) 222 9699