Peter Tinley (third left, back row) and Robin Clarke (in red) with students and other interested parties outside Pinjarra Senior High School.
Camera IconPeter Tinley (third left, back row) and Robin Clarke (in red) with students and other interested parties outside Pinjarra Senior High School. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Pinjarra, Waroona, Harvey and Coolup high schoolers say transport their biggest issue

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

TRANSPORT is the biggest issue for high schools students in Pinjarra, Waroona, Harvey and Coolup.

Students told Youth Minister Peter Tinley at an education forum in Pinjarra that those in Waroona could not get a bus to Pinjarra let alone Mandurah.

In addition, it was well nigh impossible to get public transport from North Pinjarra to Pinjarra, just a couple of kilometres away.

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Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, who hosted the forum, said there were 50 towns in her electorate but it was impossible to get from one to the other on public transport.

“It’s just repeating the cycle of a lack of opportunities,’’ she said.

One student said a Government department had suggested he put a sign in his garage asking for a lift to Mandurah.

The students were unhappy they did not have a voice and the forum was told there were plenty of youth services around but nobody to co-ordinate them.

“Young people don’t seem to know what is available – how do you find out,’’ Mr Tinley asked.

“Mostly we talk to each other,” he was told.

Students also claimed good use could be made of unused rooms at Murray Districts Hospital.

Pinjarra students were concerned Pinjarra Senior High School was the only school in WA without a performing arts centre, while the school forked out $275,000 a year for its 900 students to use Murray Leisure Centre.

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