19/2/04
A second primary school will be built in Baldivis ready for the start of the 2005 school year, Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter announced today.
Mr Carpenter said due to the rapid growth in the Baldivis area, south-east of Perth, a new $7.3million school would be established in two phases in the Settlers Hills Estate to provide relief to Baldivis Primary School.
In a unique arrangement with the State Government, the developer of the estate, Stockland, had contributed $2.4million towards the cost of the new school, to ensure Phase One of the school could be completed by 2005.
"The Department of Education and Training and Stockland have worked closely together over the past 12 months to achieve the best possible education facilities for the growing Settlers Hills community," the Minister said.
Local member Norm Marlborough MLA said the Gallop Government and Stockland had recognised the need for increased services in the growing Rockingham region.
"This is a great example of how a collaboration between the private sector and Government can bring wide-ranging benefits to the local community," Mr Marlborough said.
"I look forward to working with the local community during the implementation phase of the school, which is expected to commence in April."
General manager of Stockland WA Nick Perrignon said by pre-funding construction of the new primary school, Stockland was ensuring children in Settlers Hills could secure a place in a brand new school, within walking distance of their homes.
Mr Carpenter said the new school would help ease the burden on Baldivis Primary School, which had seen a 24 per cent increase in enrolments since 2002.
"The new Settlers Hills Primary School is expected to accommodate Kindergarten to Year Seven students in a mix of transportable and permanent accommodation on the permanent school site," he said.
"Stockland's contribution will include the cost of constructing an administration block, staff facilities, a library/resource centre, a covered assembly area, car parking, the school oval, landscaping, pre-school playground and five transportable classrooms.
"In the first project of its type, the arrangement will see the State Government reimburse Stockland the capital cost after three years, with no interest."
Mr Carpenter said the State Government would spend $3.5million on Phase Two of the school, which would involve the construction of the permanent classrooms in 2007.
The Government would also fund the provision of staffing, furniture and equipment for the school.
The Minister said enrolment projections for Baldivis Primary School, together with the anticipated population growth in Settlers Hills, warranted the early establishment of a new educational facility in the area.
"In 2002, it was estimated that there were 404 Kindergarten to Year Seven students attending Baldivis Primary School," he said.
"In 2003, the school had 439 students, including 93 kindergarten and pre-primary students and 346 primary students.
"The school currently has 501 students, including 108 kindergarten and pre-primary students and 393 primary students."
Mr Carpenter said the community would be involved in planning the new school.
He said the school brought to 10 the number of schools due to open in 2005. The others were North Canning Vale, Carramar, East Marangaroo, Koorilla, Ashdale Gardens (in Landsdale), Melville, Onslow, Wanneroo and Willagee.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
