Local trades ‘preferred’ for $1.75m Geraldton public school contracts

A $1.75 million investment in Geraldton public school maintenance and upgrades will benefit local trades, according to Premier Mark McGowan.

The State Government recently announced $200 million in funding for WA’s 789 schools, with maintenance and upgrade work to begin soon.

Mr McGowan said the work would create about 3150 jobs across WA and 1260 in the regions, with local electricians, painters, plumbers, builders and carpenters to benefit.

Schools would be encouraged to use local contractors.

Of the $200 million allocated, $35 million would be spent on maintenance items or minor works identified in building condition assessment reports.

The remaining $165 million would be allocated to schools for other targeted maintenance works, upgrades or refurbishments. Most of the work at Geraldton schools will include maintenance, roof repairs, painting and electrical upgrades.

Work at Holland Street School, which will receive the highest allocation of Geraldton schools, will include carpark improvements.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said the funding was one of the Government’s biggest single investments in WA schools.

“We want to improve all public schools in Western Australia, so students are learning in inspiring modern facilities, creating greater opportunities for students and teachers,” she said.

“We are delivering on our commitment to improve schools around the State ... and this package will deliver huge benefits to hundreds of schools.”

Where the $1.75 million will go

HOLLAND STREET SCHOOL $341,780

WAGGRAKINE PRIMARY SCHOOL $322,400

GERALDTON PRIMARY SCHOOL $307,449

MOUNT TARCOOLA PRIMARY SCHOOL $222,394

GERALDTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL $125,180

CHAMPION BAY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL $107,378

RANGEWAY PRIMARY SCHOOL $84,364

ALLENDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL $67,020

BEACHLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL $50,446

BLUFF POINT PRIMARY SCHOOL $35,160

MEEKATHARRA SCHOOL OF THE AIR $31,200

WALKAWAY PRIMARY SCHOOL $31,200

WANDINA PRIMARY SCHOOL $31,200