Plans announced for regional residential college upgrades, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 02-March-2011
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls and Education Minister Liz Constable have announced plans to extend and upgrade the residential colleges at Esperance and Merredin.
The State Government’s Royalties for Regions program will provide $22.4million to fund the projects over the next three years, to meet increasing demand for students wishing to access regional educational resources.
Mr Grylls said he was pleased to see students wanting to stay in regional areas while furthering their education and training.
“While demand for boarding facilities in regional areas has increased, Royalties for Regions funding will ensure quality accommodation, care and services for isolated students who have to board away from home in a regional location to attend school,” he said.
“Regions benefit financially, socially and politically from families remaining in the regions and using regional services.”
Dr Constable said more students were attending regional schools with assistance from the State’s Boarding Away from Home Allowance - another Royalties for Regions-supported scheme.
“Students are increasingly choosing to attend a high school in close proximity to the family home, allowing greater contact and connection with their families,” she said.
Dr Constable said the upgrades to Esperance Residential College would see an increased boarding capacity from 90 to 114 and included provision for students with disabilities.
“The upgrades to the college at Merredin will transform and modernise the accommodation,” she said.
“Together with the planned improvements to Merredin Senior High School and the recent upgrades to Esperance Senior High School, these works will further improve the appeal of studying in a regional area.”
Mr Grylls said the projects supported the State Government’s commitment to giving every young person, including those who live in remote and isolated areas, a first-class education.
Regional Development Minister's office - 9213 7000
Education Minister's office - 9222 9699
