The McGowan Labor Government is increasing funding for Western Australian education in the 2021-22 State Budget - delivering $6 billion for new schools and facilities, support for student mental health and well-being, and additional funding for students with disability and those who speak English as an additional language.
The State Budget includes a total of $5.6 billion for school education in 2021-22, an increase of $162.1 million or three per cent from the previous year.
Support for students' mental health and well-being will be strengthened with the delivery of the McGowan Government's $104 million election commitment to provide more staff and resources in schools.
This includes $42.2 million over the next four years for additional psychologists in Western Australian public and non-government schools to provide support for students and promote positive mental health.
The State Budget includes $38.5 million to expand the successful Alternative Learning Settings program across the State to provide separate learning environments for students who have committed violent acts, where they are taught self-regulation skills to cease these behaviours.
$449.5 million will be invested in building and upgrading schools and school facilities throughout Western Australia.
This includes $81.7 million for the construction of four new primary schools, which will open in 2022:
- $23.4 million Shorehaven Primary School;
- $18.4 million Burns Beach Primary School;
- $22 million Riva Primary School; and
- $17.9 million Treeby Primary School.
In addition, the McGowan Government's comprehensive program to modernise Western Australia's public schools over the next four years includes:
- planning to commence for Stage 2 facilities at Alkimos College ($1 million) and Yanchep Secondary College ($1 million);
- an additional classroom block including STEM facilities at Byford Secondary College ($21.5 million);
- upgrading the administration block and building new English and maths blocks at Albany Senior High School, and refurbishing a STEM classroom ($8.5 million);
- a new performing arts facility, plus refurbished STEM classroom at Balga Senior High School ($6.3 million);
- upgrading the canteen and a new STEM classroom at Broome Senior High School ($4.4 million);
- Stage 2 facilities for Darling Range Sports College ($12 million);
- secondary school upgrades at Donnybrook District High School ($1 million);
- new classroom blocks and providing new STEM facilities at Duncraig Senior High School ($32.3 million);
- additional classroom accommodation at Ashdale Secondary College ($29.4 million);
- redevelopment of Springfield Primary School ($15 million);
- a new design and technology block at Eaton Community College ($7 million);
- a new sports hall, refurbished performing arts centre and new STEM classroom at Greenwood College ($13.9 million);
- commencement of a staged redevelopment of the school and new STEM classroom at John Curtin College of the Arts ($23 million);
- construction of a new sports hall, modification of existing sports hall into a performing arts centre and refurbished STEM classroom at Kelmscott Senior High School ($8.5 million);
- a new gymnasium and STEM facilities at Melville Senior High School ($9 million);
- a new classroom block at Mount Lawley Senior High School ($15 million);
- redevelopment to provide additional permanent accommodation and a new science block and STEM classrooms at Rossmoyne Senior High School ($35 million);
- a new performing arts centre and new STEM classroom at Warwick Senior High School ($5 million);
- a new classroom block and a new food and textile classroom at Halls Creek District High School ($10 million); and
- a new sports hall with stage and classrooms, and refurbishment of science laboratories and upgrades at Roleystone Community College ($9.7 million).
The State Budget includes investment in new permanent facilities to replace transportable classrooms and additional accommodation at Baler Primary School ($3.5 million); Ballajura Primary School ($2.5 million); Baynton West Primary School ($5.5 million); Camboon Primary School ($3 million); Cassia Primary School ($4.5 million); and Scarborough Primary School ($9.7 million).
Upgrades will be undertaken at West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre ($2 million) and South Bunbury Education Support Centre ($3 million), and an education support centre will be constructed at Burns Beach Primary School ($3 million).
A shared oval with the City of Wanneroo will also be provided for Landsdale South Primary School (planning name) ($1.1 million).
Minor capital works programs will also take place at a wide range of primary schools throughout Western Australia.
An additional $26.1 million will be invested toward improving schools, building on the McGowan Government's $200 million Maintenance Blitz.
The McGowan Government will also continue its strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public schools across WA, with $87.6 million for upgrades to science, technology, engineering and mathematics facilities.
A total of 136 public schools will have classrooms upgraded into science laboratories to help deliver quality STEM education. These schools will also receive science resource grants for equipment and materials.
An additional 282 primary schools will also have access to the grants to enable them to enhance their science education.
The $40 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund will help reduce energy costs in public schools and lower carbon emissions.
$4.8 million from the fund will be provided to Synergy for the continuation of the pilot of Virtual Power Plant battery systems at schools.
An additional $4.6 million will fund the extension of the Solar Schools Program to increase schools' access to solar panels in the Pilbara and the Kimberley.
Funding of $18.3 million will ensure schools can continue an enhanced cleaning program for the rest of the school year in line with current COVID-19 health advice.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring Western Australian public schools offer students the best possible opportunities to learn.
"We continue to invest in high-quality infrastructure and facilities at public schools, while also ensuring there is support for students' well-being.
"This year we are committing to provide further support for students with disability, while also increasing the capacity of schools across the State to meet future demand.
"It is essential that students are provided with the highest quality facilities and resources in STEM so they are prepared for the jobs of the future.
"We are focused on building strong, safe and fair communities - and this comprehensive investment is making sure we put young Western Australians on the best possible path to a quality education."
