- McGowan Government invests $468.7 million in modern school facilities
- Capital works investment to support jobs for Western Australians
The 2018-19 State Budget investment in public school infrastructure will create jobs for Western Australians and ensure schools are modern and safe.
The McGowan Labor Government will invest a total of $468.7 million to build and improve WA public schools.
This investment in school infrastructure will help support jobs for Western Australians, and ensure students are learning in modern facilities that are well equipped to give their students the support they need.
An additional $10.25 million in maintenance funding will be provided to fit ember screens in public schools in recently zoned bushfire risk areas with evaporative air-cooling, to guard against ember attacks during fires. In addition, some of WA's older schools will also have their original plaster glass ceilings replaced.
Construction of new primary schools, at a total cost of $74.5 million, will begin at:
- Baldivis North ($16.3 million);
- Banksia Grove East ($18.8 million) with early childhood facilities ($3.2 million);
- Byford South East ($18.9 million); and
- Caversham South ($17.3 million).
A further $153.6 million has been allocated over the period of 2018-19 to 2021-22 to build new primary schools.
Construction of new secondary schools, at a cost of $100 million, will continue at:
- Butler North Secondary School ($52.4 million) due to open in 2020; and
- South Baldivis Secondary School ($48 million) due to open in 2019.
Upgrades and additions will take place at the following schools:
- Yanchep Secondary College, second stage ($13.7 million);
- Mount Hawthorn Primary School, to continue upgrade ($4.5 million);
- Camboon Primary School, upgrades ($250,000); and
- Tapping Primary School, to continue upgrade ($400,000).
Infrastructure works will commence at these regional schools:
- Cape Naturaliste College, to continue second stage of construction ($30.1 million);
- Margaret River Senior High School, to continue additional and upgraded facilities ($30 million);
- Carnarvon Community College, to continue construction for the final stage of amalgamation ($26.6 million);
- Planning will start for upgraded facilities at Albany Secondary Education Support Centre - co-located at North Albany Senior High School - to provide learning opportunities for students with disability ($9.8 million);
- Collie Senior High School, upgrades ($7.5 million);
- John Willcock College, completion of works and refurbishments ($20 million); and
- South Bunbury Primary School, upgrades to facilities ($3 million)
Construction of the new Inner City College will continue at Kitchener Park in Subiaco ($67.8 million), as well as extensions at Shenton College ($46.1 million) and Carine Senior High School ($18.7 million).
Construction will continue at four new primary schools in the booming outer suburbs - Aveley North Primary School, Aspiri Primary School, Oakwood Primary School and Southern Grove Primary School - following the opening of early childhood facilities on these sites earlier this year.
The schools will open for students in kindergarten to Year 6 for the 2019 school year.
Construction will begin at Aveley North Primary School's education support facility which will open in 2019, providing additional support for young students with autism or disability.
Two new secondary schools will open for Year 7 students in 2019 - the first stages of South Baldivis Secondary School (planning name) and Lakelands Senior High School (planning name) in Mandurah.
An allocation of $1.85 million will upgrade administration facilities at Weld Square Primary School and Yokine Primary School.
A total of $73.5 million has been allocated to fund the increased number of students attending public schools.
Funds have also been repurposed from savings on other projects to complete works at Mount Hawthorn Primary School ($1 million), Rapids Landing Primary School ($1.1 million) and Kinross College ($500,000).
Also included in the Budget is continued funding for additional education assistants, independent learning co-ordinators, regional learning specialists, and additional teachers to support mental health programs in schools.
For more 2018-19 State Budget information, visit http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"There is a record number of students in Western Australian public schools, and my Government is committed to ensuring our schools can continue to support the growing numbers of students in modern, first-class facilities.
"More jobs will also be created from our investment in upgrading, maintaining and building public school infrastructure."
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The McGowan Government continues to invest in public schools across Western Australia ensuring all students - regardless of where they live - get a high-quality education.
"New primary and secondary schools in high-growth areas are providing families with first-class, modern learning environments to best meet their children's needs, while additional support staff in our schools are supporting our students where they need it most."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
