- Moora Residential College will now remain open
- Decision comes after a $8.7 million funding contribution from the Federal Government
- The multimillion dollar upgrade was required following an independent facility report
- Ongoing recurrent funding will be provided by the State Government
Following a funding offer from the Federal Government, the State Government can announce that Moora Residential College will remain open.
The accommodation facility in Moora was set to close at the end of the year, however, the State Government has accepted an $8.7 million funding offer from the Federal Government to help keep it open.
The State Government announced the closure last December as part of Budget savings measures and due to independent reports showing a substantial investment was required to keep the facility open.
Just this year, a $60,000 investment was required to improve fire detection and warning systems to ensure students and staff were safe for the remainder of the school year.
The Department of Education has been working with each student and family affected, to plan the best possible transition for each student. The department will now contact each family and help assist them in their final decision for the 2019 school year.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"I understand this process has been difficult for the community, staff, parents and students.
"Our decision to close the boarding facility was an extremely tough decision, but it was made in the context of the dire financial situation we inherited.
"I would like to thank the Federal Government and Senator Cormann, in particular, for their funding offer and welcome their interest in supporting WA.
"Together with the community, we now have an opportunity to make an upgraded facility in Moora work in the long-term and ensure the boarding facility is sustainable into the future.
"My Government remains committed to delivering responsible financial management in the best interests of the whole State."
