28/10/04
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter has today announced that construction of the $3.5million final stage of the $8.7million Roebuck Primary School is expected to start next month.
Speaking on the official opening of the $5.2million first stage of the Broome school today, Mr Carpenter said the Gallop Government had allocated funding for the work in the 2004-05 budget after big enrolment growth at the school.
"Tenders for construction closed earlier this month and it is expected the new facilities will be ready for students by the middle of next year," the Minister said.
"Stage two will consist of additional teaching blocks, providing a further 10 general learning areas, with associated stores, activity areas and toilets, plus music and art/craft rooms."
Mr Carpenter said he expected development of the second phase of the school to be as well supported by the school community as the first.
"Roebuck Primary School is an example of how close community involvement can create a truly local school," he said.
"The dedication of parents and staff in making stage one of the school their own and characteristically Broome is a credit to all.
"From parents supporting the opening of the school as a 'school in houses' in 2000 through to the involvement of staff and parents in creating a school that is in keeping with the local environment and culture, using local architects and builders, the community has been involved all the way.
"Its growth from 75 students less than five years ago to almost 340 today is testament to its popularity with local families."
Mr Carpenter said stage one of the permanent school was designed in collaboration with all stakeholders - the community, students and staff - and building work commenced in October 2003.
"A Perth architectural firm, Oldfield Knott, was appointed to draw up the plans in association with the Broome office of PM+D Architects," he said.
"PM+D provided a local flavour to the design, particularly in respect to consultation with parent and community groups and on environmental issues.
"The new school buildings were handed over to staff and students in July this year and Kindergarten to Year Two students moved in at the beginning of Term Three."
Buildings include an Early Childhood block with three early childhood classrooms and three general learning areas with associated stores, activity areas and student toilets, a library resource centre, covered assembly area and administration building.
The development also included an extension of the existing staff and visitors' car park and parent car park and drop-off areas.
Local MLA Carol Martin attended the official opening and said the school reflected Broome's unique architectural style in its design and use of materials.
"The school has been designed to address Broome's extreme climatic conditions and incorporates the local landscape and native flora," Ms Martin said.
"The layout of the school encourages collaboration between staff and students in keeping with its motto, 'Working Together' and there are areas established for meetings to be held outside."
Ms Martin said the school was designed as a community facility with community access to its oval and tennis courts.
Mr Carpenter said good Budget management by the Gallop Government had seen an increased investment in education since the Government was elected in 2001. This was in stark contrast to the Howard Government, which had an appalling record in funding State schools.
"It is an absolute scandal that the Howard Government is providing less for capital works in WA State Schools today than the Keating Government did more than a decade ago," the Minister said.
"In 1993-94, the Federal Government contributed $25.5million of a total schools capital works budget of $69.5million.
"In 2004-05, that contribution is now only $25.2million of a total capital works budget of $151.8million.
'In other words, WA is spending more than twice as much on capital works for schools, while the Federal Government has actually cut its contribution."
Minister's office 9213 6800
