A re-elected Cook Labor Government has promised to deliver a range of goodies for schools in Darling Range as part of one the single biggest investments in school infrastructure in WA’s history.
The major $745 million program includes $13.5 million for a new early childhood education block at Byford Primary School, $600,000 for a new primary school in Byford North (due to open 2029), $1.5 million to redevelop the outdoor hard courts at Jarrahdale Primary School, $1 million to deliver parking upgrades at Marri Grove Primary School, and $1 million to install modern reverse-cycle air-conditioning at Serpentine Primary School.
Labor has also promised to deliver a new coaster bus for Byford Secondary College to be retrofitted for special needs accessibility, equipment for a new drone pilot program at Roleystone Community College, and funding to seal the driveway at Eton Farm Primary School in Serpentine.
“We live in one of the fastest growing areas in the country and meeting the demand that puts on our infrastructure is my focus. These commitments mean every student in Darling Range, even at smaller schools, are getting top quality facilities to learn in,” Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones said.
“Under our WA Labor Government, major upgrades are already in the works at Roleystone Community College and Byford Secondary College.”
Education Minister Tony Buti said as a former teacher who was educated in Armadale he recognises “the importance of making sure students in our outer suburbs get the best facilities to learn in”.
“My focus remains on ensuring every child has access to an education that equips them for a successful future, and I’m proud that this major funding commitment will deliver the infrastructure and facilities our students need,” he said.
The Labor Government has also said it would boost the School Breakfast Program to the tune of $37 million, expanding it “into all schools where students may need extra support”.
This will increase the number of schools where free breakfasts are delivered from around 500 to more than 650 – with the service to be boosted from two to five days per week.
The Labor Government has also promised to increase the number of WA primary schools where parents have access to before and after-school care (OSH). West Byford Primary and Jarrahdale Primary would be two of the first schools to get new OSHC services under a re-elected Cook Labor Government.
