School cash a boost for SW students

Public school principals throughout the South West have rejoiced after it was announced the region would share in more than $5.5 million to address high priority maintenance works, upgrades and refurbishments.

The massive maintenance package is part of a $200 million investment in WA schools by the State Government with 35 South West schools to share in the funds.

Newton Moore Senior High School, Australind Senior High School and Donnybrook District High School were named as the bigger winners from the package, with Newton Moore to be given almost $1.5 million.

More than $762,000 will be given to ASHS while DDHS will be given $488,208, something principal James Milne said would be “very handy”.

“Maintaining two sites is challenging and this injection of funds will result in an improvement to the buildings and grounds for our school community,” he said.

“Both sites require maintenance to enhance the learning environments.”

The enhancement of learning environments was the general trend of responses from the various schools contacted by the South Western Times, including Bunbury Primary School principal Shane Doherty who was greatly appreciative of the more than $267,000 allocated for his school.

“This funding is greatly appreciated and will further brighten the learning environment that our children deserve,” he said.

More than 1200 regional jobs are expected to be created as a result of the package Statewide with schools encouraged by the State Government to use local contractors and tradespeople for the projects.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch and his Collie-Preston counterpart Mick Murray were both pleased by the announced funding and said it was more than needed within their respective electorates.

“Every child deserves opportunities to learn in a well-maintained, safe and comfortable environment,” Mr Murray said.