The Western Australian Government has announced a major investment of $1.7 billion into the state’s public schools and infrastructure, to meet the needs of a growing population.
As part of the State Budget, $130 million is allocated to support the planning and delivery of Stage 1 of a new high school for the rapidly growing north-eastern suburb of Brabham, which will accommodate 1,000 students.
The school will cater for students in the popular suburbs of Brabham and Henley Brook and will relieve enrolment pressure on Ellenbrook Secondary College.
Planning will commence for Alkimos North Senior High School, a secondary school in Dawesville, and a future primary school in Mount Lawley to provide enrolment relief to nearby schools in these rapidly growing suburbs.
Another four new primary schools are also planned to open in 2028 in the popular areas of Yanchep, Treeby, Eglinton and Vasse.
Planning is underway for another two primary schools in Byford and Anketell, with a new primary school also being planned to open in Brabham in 2030. Additionally, early works are underway for the new East Perth Primary School, to open for the 2029 school year.
As part of the new Cool the Schools program, the WA Government will begin its rollout of new reverse-cycle air-conditioning systems at 45 schools across the state, with an initial $43.3 million of the total $89.1 million commitment funded this Budget.
The Budget also includes an initial $42 million to begin undertaking works as part of the government’s $83.1 million commitment to of minor upgrades and improvements at 61 schools.
A further $25 million per year from 2029-30 will be made available to see more schools receive upgrades to their ageing school infrastructure such as classrooms, sporting facilities, and play spaces.
Planning is commencing for the delivery of 17 major infrastructure projects through the New Schools & Maintenance Vision (Major Upgrades).
The 17 projects include upgrades to:
- Four early childhood facilities
- Six significant new additions and upgrades (one primary and five secondary schools)
- Four major upgrades and refurbishment projects at secondary schools
- Two new sports halls
- An education support centre upgrade
As part of the 2025/26 Budget, a further $50 million per year from 2029-30 will be available to fund ongoing major investments in schools.
Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, said that the State Government is laser focused on providing the services WA needs to manage the growing population that comes with a booming economy.
“That’s why, as part of our Budget, we are committed to ensuring that WA families have access to high-quality schools close to home so students can get the best possible education,” Cook said.
“This landmark investment will see works progress on a brand-new secondary school in Brabham, and forward planning for other new schools in some of Perth’s most rapidly growing suburbs.”
Western Australian Minister for Education, Sabine Winton, said that it is important that Western Australian families have access to quality schools, and for students to learn in modern, comfortable facilities.
“With this strong investment in the upcoming Budget, the State Government is continuing to deliver on its long-standing commitment to ensuring students have great learning experiences,” Winton said.
“I am pleased that we are relieving enrolment pressures on several schools by delivering future primary and secondary schools in fast-growing suburbs such as Brabham and Alkimos.
“Our government is also getting on with the job of providing new reverse-cycle air-conditioning systems to schools across the State, and I look forward to seeing the impact of upgrades to ageing school infrastructure.
“I’m proud to announce this massive investment in future education for WA students and families.”
