More than 80 public schools across the state will benefit from a record $42.7 million targeted maintenance program, fixing roofs, resealing bitumen, building fences and upgrading aging infrastructure.

The State Government investment was detailed at Seacliff Primary School on Thursday 17 October, where it was announced 91 projects across 82 sites would be a key component of the government’s 20-Year Infrastructure Plan for public education and care.

The plan, released earlier this year, outlined an approach to uplift schools and preschools to ensure sites are meeting the needs of local families.

Work with focus groups identified that aging facilities can be a deterrent for parents when looking to enrol their children. This highlights the importance of school improvements and maintenance to ensure community confidence.

With the aging condition of school and preschool buildings across the state presenting ongoing challenges, the Education Department will spend the funding on a range of work, including the following planned projects covering a wide range of maintenance:

• $5.25m on bitumen replacement and upgrade work (6 sites)
• $4.13m on upgrades to support inclusivity for students with disabilities (9 sites)
• $1.58m on fencing work to ensure student safety (7 sites)
• $4.51m to replace roofs, gutters and downpipes (5 sites)
• $4.73m for structural remediation work (13 sites)
• $3.13m for refurbishment or replacement of toilets (6 sites)
• $12.55m for a range of other projects including bore replacements, stormwater management, balcony works, acoustic treatments (28 sites).

Investment has been directed to sites with greatest need, determined by detailed analysis of enrolment trends and forecasts, asset quality and performance, and school improvement indicators.

Seacliff Primary School Principal Sue Matene said, on behalf of Seacliff Primary School and our school community, I’m pleased that this announcement will see some key work completed here.

“We aim to develop creative, confident learners who can adapt to and participate effectively in a rapidly changing world, and both projects will have a direct benefit for our 375 students and their families by improving the overall amenities of our school”.

“Given this school was built more than 60 years ago, we understand the value of ongoing maintenance to ensure this site is fit-for-purpose and meets the progressive expectations of our staff, students, families and surrounding community”.

“The continued maintenance and improvements to Seacliff help reflect the positive physical environment that is valued at our school”.

“Our current families regularly acknowledge the improvements being made within our school and we recognise how this also supports attracting future enrolments. We want our local community to view our school as the best choice for their child’s education”, Matene said.