Infrastructure WA

84. Improve school infrastructure planning and delivery that meets student needs by:

1. reviewing data formats, sources, accessibility and assumptions to ensure they are timely and functional for planning school demand, greenfield and infill areas
2. applying software and systems that use new methodologies (such as scenario modelling) to test innovative solutions for government schools in the context of the public and private school assets
3. preparing a program-level business case for site acquisition in inner and middle suburbs, aligned with school network planning needs
4. enabling the use of medium-rise to high-rise public vertical schools in appropriate locations, particularly engaging with stakeholders to foster broader community acceptance of this model
5. using transportable school buildings only as a temporary demand solution, and not where enrolment growth is expected to continue
6. consistent with Recommendation 38f in the Infrastructure delivery chapter, considering offsite and modular construction that enables a contemporary teaching and learning environment
7. progressively retiring transportable school buildings where they no longer meet contemporary teaching and learning environment requirements
8. implementing collocation and shared use with childcare, health and community support services where possible, particularly in areas of disadvantage
9. consistent with Recommendation 42a in the Asset management chapter, allocating budget to implement fit for purpose asset management planning to ensure ageing school assets are functionally fit for purpose.

WA Government response 

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 84 is partially supported. For further information please refer to the response document.