The McGowan Government will invest $452.8 million in 2019-20 to improve infrastructure in Western Australian public schools and create jobs.
Overall $5.2 billion will be spent on school education in 2019-20, an increase of $102.5 million or two per cent from the previous year.
Meanwhile, enrolment growth in WA public schools remains solid with an extra 3,679 students enrolled in public schools in Semester 1, 2019. Public school enrolment growth of 27,000 students or 8.8 per cent is forecast over the four years from 2019 to 2023.
Additional funding has been allocated to ensure schools will have the necessary teaching staff and resources to accommodate enrolment growth and provide high-quality programs for all students.
The capital investment is part of the 2019-20 State Budget.
Construction of new primary schools, at a total cost of $152.8 million will include:
- Four new primary schools in Baldivis North, Banksia Grove, Byford South and Caversham South to open in 2020, including an early childhood facility that opened in 2019 at Banksia Grove ($74.5 million); and
- Five new primary schools at Brabham, Southern River (Stage 1), Harrisdale North, Baldivis South (Parkland Heights) and Sunningdale (Yanchep) to open in 2021 ($78.3 million).
Redevelopment of secondary schools, at a cost of $77.4 million include:
- A redevelopment to expand and upgrade Balcatta Senior High School to be completed in 2021 ($50 million);
- Kinross College will benefit from works commencing to refurbish facilities ($2.5 million);
- Construction will commence at Darling Range Sports College, providing upgrades to the school’s design and technology, visual arts, canteen, music and general classrooms ($10 million);
- Construction will start at Wanneroo Secondary College for a new sports hall and hardcourts ($5 million); and
- Work continues at Morley Senior High School ($1.5 million) and at Southern River College ($8.4 million).
Planning has commenced for new performing arts facilities at Belmont City College ($5 million) and Belridge Secondary College ($5 million). Construction of the Ocean Reef Senior High School performing arts centre ($5 million) is due to commence in September this year. A performing arts centre at Melville Senior High School ($4.5 million) is due to be completed this year and a performing arts centre at Ballajura Community College ($5 million) is due to be completed by 2020.
Upgrades and additions will take place at the following schools:
- Planning will commence for a permanent two-storey building at Victoria Park Primary School ($7.1 million);
- Planning for a new child and parent centre at Arbor Grove Primary School in Ellenbrook will commence ($1.8 million); and
- Construction for a new early childhood facility at Kinross Primary School will start ($1.6 million).
Infrastructure works will commence at these regional schools:
- Redevelopment of Broome Senior High School ($19.3 million);
- Science facilities at Eaton Community College ($5 million);
- Eaton Primary School specialist early childhood facilities ($3 million);
- Early learning facilities at Flinders Park Primary School ($2.5 million); and
- Upgrade of facilities at Mount Lockyer Primary School ($3 million) and South Bunbury Primary School ($5.5 million).
The McGowan Government continues to deliver on its election commitment to boost science in schools to prepare students for future jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
$3 million is being invested in 2019-20, towards converting 51 primary classrooms across the State into science laboratories.
Construction at the new Inner City College (planning name) at Kitchener Park will continue ($70.6 million). The school will open for the 2020 school year as a local intake secondary school.
Construction will continue for the provision of additional classrooms and specialist facilities at Collie Senior High School ($7.5 million).
Planning will commence for a major upgrade at John Forrest Secondary College to replace outdated specialist facilities ($50 million).
Planning has commenced for a new cafeteria and flexible learning space at Bunbury Senior High School ($5 million).
Planning will commence to provide new facilities at Mount Lawley Senior High School ($4 million).
For more 2019-20 State Budget information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“More jobs will be created from our investment in providing quality infrastructure in public schools across Western Australia.
“New primary and secondary schools will continue to support the growth in our suburbs and upgrades to regional schools will ensure our students are learning in modern environments.”
