Nearly 300 Western Australian public schools across the State are set to receive funding for additional maintenance, under an $18 million McGowan Government investment that will create jobs and deliver a boost to the economy.
This includes a major $1.23 million injection in maintenance funding for Hedland Senior High School in the Pilbara region. The school will receive works including the refurbishment of two toilet blocks, gymnasium floor and toilets, high pressure cleaning of walkways and the canteen areas, tree removal, and internal and external painting.
The maintenance will be done by approved contractors, including local businesses, creating work for tradespeople such as painters, irrigation specialists, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanics, builders, carpenters and environmental consultants.
Works to be done at schools around the State include painting, rectifying trip hazards in pathways and other areas, removing old heating and cooling systems, fixing roofs and ceilings, refurbishing sports courts and addressing problems with water bores.
Schools to receive the biggest investment are:
- Hedland Senior High School - $1.23 million: range of works;
- Cyril Jackson Senior Campus - $482,000: ceiling replacements, addressing concrete issues and painting;
- Lakeland Senior High School - $464,000: pipe works painting and restoration, gutter replacements and more;
- Northam Primary School - $487,000: ceiling replacements, painting and more;
- Safety Bay Senior High School - $436,000: structural steel replacement and rust remediation;
- Central Midlands Senior High School - $420,000: court resurfacing;
- South Hedland Primary School - $350,000: ceiling remediation, brick wall replacement, and new soft-fall surface for playground;
- Takari Primary School - $340,000: court resurfacing; and
- Armadale Senior High School - $304,000: gymnasium floor replacement and new water tank.
These amounts are approximate and are dependent on tenders being awarded.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"This investment into important maintenance at schools across the State will support local businesses and create jobs for Western Australians.
"It is great to see this $18 million investment to address maintenance needs in our schools to create local job opportunities and support the State's economy.
"We are now spending $128.7 million in the 2018-19 financial year on maintenance for public schools.
"The works are being carried out in every corner of our State, from schools in Esperance in our south to Bayulu in our remote Kimberley."
As stated by Balcatta MLA David Michael:
"The school community has been calling for the resurfacing of the sports courts, so I welcome today's investment at Takari Primary School.
"More jobs and work for tradespeople will be created from this investment in upgrading public school infrastructure."
