Public schools in WA’s booming suburbs to get $2 billion boost
Updated ,first published
More than $2 billion has been promised for public school infrastructure projects over the next four years, including funding to help start construction of a new high school in one of Perth’s fastest-growing areas.
A total of $68.4 million will be distributed for the land and preliminary studies of Alkimos North High School as part of the 2026-2027 State Budget to be delivered in early May.
The $754 million in additional funding from this year’s budget also includes increasing student capacity at three elementary schools and one high school in the metro area; All six schools will be allocated funding to drive major improvements.
Planning for 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; Education Minister Sabine Winton said it was “sorely needed in these growing suburbs”.
Winton said investment in new and improved public schools in Western Australia was important for the state’s future.
“As part of this year’s budget, we are investing in the expansion of four schools in growing communities,” he said.
“This is about ensuring 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 could go to “vibrant schools with good equipment, well-resourced teaching staff and the supports we need to continue to ensure education is a bright star in the Western Australian landscape”.
He said Piara Waters was an example of a “booming” school, with an enrollment of 1,100 students and more expected in the future.
“So as part of the budget, we will invest $23.2 million in new classrooms here,” he said.
“We are also providing funding to meet future demand, which is why we have decided to build a brand new school next year with the planning name of Piara Waters West Primary School… to continue to cater to this rapidly growing community.
“Our budget is committed to a strong investment in the education of all Western Australian young people, regardless of where they live.”
But Opposition Education Minister Liam Staltari said the funding announcement was a clear admission that the state government had neglected WA’s school infrastructure for years and failed to keep up with growing demand.
He said the announcement was a clear admission that the state government had neglected WA’s school infrastructure for years and failed to keep up with growing demand.
“The government’s headline figure of $2.1 billion is misleading; most of this has already been included in the 2025-26 Budget or has been announced previously,” he said.
“Not a single truly new, fully funded school has been announced today. This is simply a reiteration of existing commitments, not a plan to open new schools for WA’s growing communities.”
Additional funding totals about $650 million, $400 million of which is for school maintenance and improvements, Staltari said.
“This is actually compensation for what happened after years of neglect,” he said.
“If infrastructure were properly maintained, schools would no longer be overcrowded and under pressure.”
He said the latest Building Condition Assessment showed WA schools were riddled with more than 10,000 defects, including electrical faults, mold and sagging walls.
“Students, teachers and families deserve better than a government that only acts when problems reach crisis point,” Staltari said.
Financing breakdown
$68.4 million for the land and initial work of the new Alkimos North High School.
$78.2 million in funding will be allocated to make major improvements at six schools across the state:
- $21.4 million for Champion Bay High School’s new gym and renovation of the existing gym.
- $16.2 million for a new gymnasium with sports science facilities at Belridge Secondary School.
- $12.1 million for Byford Primary School’s new early childhood education block
- $10.7 million to 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 improvements at Geraldton High School
$96.2 million to increase capacity at four schools:
- Harrisdale High School – $40.8 million for 600 additional students
- Riva Elementary School – $21 million for 240 additional students
- Piara Waters Elementary School – $23.2 million for 440 additional students
- Inglewood Elementary School – $11.2 million for a new early childhood education facility
$400 million in support for school maintenance and small businesses:
- $218.6 million increase in base maintenance
- $50.5 million for improvements to roofs, restrooms and hard courts
- $52.2 million for targeted maintenance and minor business improvements
- $86.9 million to deliver the final tranches of the Cool the Schools program and small jobs selection commitments
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Holly Thompson is a journalist at WAtoday specializing in education and the environment.Connect with: X or email.
