Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA has renewed calls for a complete redevelopment of Esperance Senior High School, following revelations the school tops the list for building defects in the State.
The Education Department’s most recent Building Condition Assessment report identified 121 defects at Esperance Senior High School, which Mr Rundle said was a stark reminder of the Cook Labor Government’s failure to invest in regional education infrastructure.
“Built in the 1960s for around 400 students, ESHS now serves around 800 students each year and consistently ranks among WA’s highest performing regional schools,” Mr Rundle said.
“At the same time, staff, students and parents have been putting up with outdated and unsafe facilities for years, including cracked walls, holes in ceilings, and asbestos warnings.
“The standard of facilities is simply not safe or fit for a modern learning environment.”
In 2024, following years of pressure from The Nationals WA and the Esperance community, the Cook Labor Government committed $650,000 in funding to plan for future upgrades at ESHS.
“When I asked the Minister for an update on this much-needed upgrade, the Minister was unable to confirm a timeline or a budget for any future works at ESHS. It’s clearly not a priority for the Cook Labor Government,” Mr Rundle said.
The Minister also refused to answer whether any of the $11.3 million maintenance fund would be allocated to the school.
“We desperately need to see the more than 100 defects at ESHS remedies, and a whole-school redevelopment fast-tracked, not left stuck in the planning stage for years to come.”
Mr Rundle said Labor’s priorities were “completely backwards,” pointing to the $217 million being spent on a new racetrack in Perth while regional schools fall apart.
“In a State as wealthy as Western Australia, it’s unacceptable that education is coming in second place to a new racetrack at Burswood,” he said.
President of the Esperance Senior High School P&C, Michelle Handley, said the community had lost patience.
“Esperance Senior High School’s buildings are decades past their use-by date.”
“Our students deserve more than temporary fixes and patched-up classrooms paid for by funds that should be spent on their learning, and master plans that never deliver — they deserve a learning environment that reflects their potential.”
Mr Rundle said The Nationals WA would continue to stand with the Esperance community to ensure the project remains on the Government’s agenda.