WA public schools to get $200m boost

PUBLIC schools across Western Australia will benefit from a $200 million maintenance package, creating more than 3000 jobs.

All 789 public schools in the state will share in $35 million to address maintenance items or minor works listed in Building Condition Assessment reports.

The remaining $165 million will be allocated to schools for other targeted works or maintenance issues, including classroom refurbishments, electrical upgrades and structural improvements.

Local tradies will also benefit from the package as it’s estimated to create about 1,890 jobs in metropolitan Perth and 1,260 in regional WA.

Premier Mark McGowan said students deserved to learn in the best possible facilities.

“The works will get underway soon, delivering a stimulus to the local economy and creating opportunities for local electricians, painters, plumbers, builders and carpenters,” Mr McGowan said.

Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the state government’s responsible budget management provided flexibility to make the investment decision.

“This WA jobs initiative will help support the state’s economy and deliver ongoing benefits to the WA community,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The $200 million investment builds on the overall $5.2 billion being spent in education in 2019-20 alone.”

– AAP