WA Labor promises new school in Byford

Education Minister Peter Collier opened the suburb’s fourth primary school – Woodland Grove – in Byford’s MacMillan Road on Wednesday, February 1.

Mr Collier accused Labor of playing politics with education, picking marginal seats to promise a primary school.

He promised $11.5 million to ensure every WA child has access to kindy, and pledged to tender for third-party before and after-school care where there is demand.

Existing schools in the area include Byford Primary School, Marri Grove Primary School and West Byford Primary School.

Labor’s proposed school would be 1.3km from Marri Grove Primary School and within 3km of Woodland Grove Primary School, which opened with 400 students.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan said if elected Labor would review the planning methodology for new schools to ensure education infrastructure can cope with the rapidly growing population.

Direct-to-market maintenance and a minor capital works model would be introduced if Labor was elected.

“Byford is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the country and it’s critical that WA Labor provides a vision for our children and allows them the best possible start in life,” endorsed Labor candidate for Darling Range Barry Urban said.

This week, Harrisdale Senior High School opened for the first time, along with three other new public primary schools across Perth.

A new primary school is planned for 540 students in Piara Waters, set to open in 2019 on the corner of Aspiri Promenade and Sunray Avenue.