Rod Henderson.
Camera IconRod Henderson. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Liberal West Swan candidate labels $7m Ballajura Community College pledge “opportunist”

Toyah ShakespeareEastern Reporter

Last week, West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti pledged to put $7 million towards a performing arts theatre at Ballajura Community College if Labor won the State Election.

A feasibility study in 2013 stated a proposed 700-seat auditorium would cost $19 to $21 million. Liberal candidate for West Swan Rod Henderson, a Ballajura Community College board member, said because it was a school, the City of Swan and Lotterywest could not fund the remaining $14 million.

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“The (Liberal party) could not possibly put up $21 million to build right now,” he said.

Mr Henderson said if he were elected, he would fight “tooth and nail” for the project.

City of Swan honorary freeman Mel Congerton, chairman of the former Ballajura Community College performing arts auditorium steering committee, called on the major parties to fund the whole amount.

Students now go to other schools to put on performances.