- McGowan Government to build a new inclusive education support program at Wanneroo Secondary College
- $12.4 million program and facilities to support 80 students with disabilities
- Government investing almost $534 million in 2023-24 to support students with disabilities - an increase of more than $74 million
- Additional $27.2 million to be invested in maintenance of school infrastructure
The McGowan Government will invest $12.4 million to establish a new inclusive education support program and associated facilities at Wanneroo Secondary College.
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said the new program and purpose-built facilities would cater for 80 students with low to moderate needs.
The program will be inclusive to enable students to access education at their level of need. This would mean that students can be fully engaged in the Western Australian curriculum with appropriate support and have an individualised learning plan or engage with both the WA curriculum and individualised learning plans.
Last year, the Belridge Secondary Education Support Centre enrolled 127 secondary students. With the centre currently operating at full capacity, a new program and facilities for students who require additional assistance with their learning skills is required in Perth's north-east to meet expected population growth.
Wanneroo Secondary College was chosen to incorporate the new program because of its ideal location to accommodate students with additional learning needs in Wanneroo and surrounding suburbs, including Banksia Grove.
On top of this, the McGowan Government will invest $533.8 million in 2023 24 to support students with disability and complex behaviour - an increase of $74.6 million compared to last year's budget.
This includes the expansion of specialist learning programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an increase to the educational adjustment allocation to support more students with undiagnosed disabilities and learning difficulties.
The 2023-24 State Budget continues to demonstrate the McGowan Government's commitment to ensuring public school students across the State have access to contemporary, well-equipped facilities, with almost $627 million planned to be invested in the Department's Asset Investment Program in 2023-24.
Another commitment proposed in the upcoming Budget is for a further $27.2 million to be invested in high-priority maintenance programs for additional improvements to public school infrastructure in 2023-24. This will include improvements to fire safety and alarm systems, security upgrades and roof replacements and remediation.
This investment in maintenance programs builds on the McGowan Government's 2019 Maintenance Blitz program, which allocated over $200 million to enhance school infrastructure across WA. Under this program, Wanneroo Secondary College received almost $500,000 in maintenance, shade structures and an upgrade to the design and technology area.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The McGowan Government is committed to delivering the best education facilities for students in Western Australia to help them reach their potential.
"This new education support program and facilities at the Wanneroo Secondary College will ensure those students with disability can receive the appropriate level of support they require to meet their educational needs, in a local public school.
"The construction of specialist facilities like those associated with this inclusive program will strengthen the enrolment choices available to many families in Perth's north-east.
"Our goal is to ensure Western Australian students have access to the appropriate facilities and learning environments needed to follow their dreams and future pathways."
As stated by Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:
"This is fantastic news for Wanneroo students and families. Having specialist support available at school for students who need it will certainly provide families with extra peace of mind.
"Education support centres are an important part of our school communities and can have a hugely beneficial impact on a student's education and development.
"I really welcome this investment and recognition from the McGowan Government about the need for a specialist facility at Wanneroo Secondary College."
