Updated ,first published
More than $2 billion has been promised for public school infrastructure projects over the next four years, including funding to help kickstart the build of a new high school in one of Perth’s fastest growing regions.
A total of $68.4 million will be handed down for land and early works for Alkimos North Senior High School as part of the 2026 to 2027 State Budget, to be delivered at the beginning of May.
The $754 million in additional funding from this year’s budget also includes upgrades to student capacity at three primary schools and one high school in the metropolitan area, while six schools will be allocated funding to progress major upgrades.
Planning on nine other major upgrades will also continue.
Between now and 2030, the state government plans to open 11 new primary schools and two new high schools, which Education Minister Sabine Winton said was “desperately needed in these growing suburbs”.
Winton said investment in new and upgraded public schools across Western Australia was important for the state’s future.
“As part of this year’s budget, we’re investing in expanding four schools in growing communities,” she said.
“What it’s about is making sure that every child has access to a great local school.”
Speaking at a press conference at Piara Waters Primary School, WA Premier Roger Cook said he wanted to ensure students were able to attend “vibrant schools with good equipment, well-resourced teaching staff and supports that we need to continue to make sure that education is a bright star on the landscape in Western Australia.”
He said Piara Waters was an example of a school “bursting at the seams” with 1100 students enrolled and more expected into the future.
“Which is why, as part of the budget, we will invest $23.2 million in new classrooms here,” he said.
“We’re also funding to meet future demand, which is why we’ve committed to building a brand-new school in the next year, with the planning name of Piara Waters West Primary School … to continue to cater for this booming community.
“Our budget is delivering a strong investment in education for all young Western Australians regardless of where they live.”
But Opposition Education Minister Liam Staltari said the funding announcement was a clear admission the state government had neglected WA’s school infrastructure for years and failed to keep pace with growing demand.
He has said the announcement was a clear admission the state government had neglected WA’s school infrastructure for years and failed to keep pace with growing demand.
“The government’s $2.1 billion headline figure is misleading – most of it is already included in the 2025-26 Budget or previously announced,” he said.
“Not a single genuinely new, fully funded school has been announced today. This is simply a rehash of existing commitments, not a plan to deliver new schools for WA’s growing communities.”
Staltari said the additional funding amounts to around $650 million, including $400 million for school maintenance and upgrades.
“At its core, this is catch-up after years of neglect,” he said.
“If infrastructure had been properly maintained, schools wouldn’t now be overcrowded and under pressure.”
He said the most recent Building Condition Assessment showed WA schools were riddled with more than 10,000 defects including electrical faults, mould, and sagging walls.
“Students, teachers and families deserve better than a government that only acts once problems reach crisis point,” Staltari said.
Funding breakdown
$68.4 million for land and early works for the new Alkimos North Senior High School.
$78.2 million in funding will be allocated to progress major upgrades at six schools across the state:
- $21.4 million for Champion Bay Senior High School’s new sports hall and refurbishments to its existing sports hall
- $16.2 million for a new sports hall with sports science facilities at Belridge Secondary College
- $12.1 million for Byford Primary School’s new early childhood education block
- $10.7 million for Glen Forrest Primary School for a new early childhood education block
- $10.7 million for a new childhood education block at Cowaramup Primary School
- $7.1 million for classroom and building upgrades at Geraldton Senior High School
$96.2 million to expand capacity at four schools:
- Harrisdale Senior High School – $40.8 million for 600 additional students
- Riva Primary School – $21 million for 240 additional students
- Piara Waters Primary School – $23.2 million for 440 additional students
- Inglewood Primary School – $11.2 million for a new early childhood education facility
$400 million boost to school maintenance and minor works:
- $218.6 million increase to base maintenance
- $50.5 million for upgrades to roofs, toilets, and hard courts
- $52.2 million for targeted maintenance and minor works upgrades
- $86.9 million to deliver the final tranches of the Cool the Schools program and minor works election commitments
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Holly Thompson is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in education and the environment.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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