Private backing for schools in Landsdale and Alkimos

Naming EduWest as the preferred company, Treasurer Mike Nahan said the State Government would only start paying it once each school was operational.

The company comprises Macquarie Capital Group, Badge Constructions (WA), Perkins (WA) and Spotless Facility Services, and will finance, design and build eight public schools and then maintain them for up to 31 years.

“Negotiations for this contract have confirmed that the cost of the project is $100 million less than the State’s Public Sector Comparator,” Dr Nahan said.

Education Minister Peter Collier said the schools would be similar to other public schools, and based on ecologically sustainable design principles, with emphasis on reducing energy consumption.

Both schools are set to open in 2017.