Expression of Interest now opens to build 8 WA schools

Peter Collier
Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Electoral Affairs

Four public primary schools and four public secondary schools are set to be built and maintained under Western Australia’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) for schools at an estimated capital cost for the eight schools of $370million. Education Minister Peter Collier announced the call for expressions of interest from private companies for the package on 6th October. Four new primary schools will be built in Landsdale East, Alkimos South West, Baldivis North and Byford South West. The new secondary schools are in Ellenbrook North, Lakelands, Hammond Park and Harrisdale. EOI are available on Tenders WA and close on November 5, 2014

“While the schools will be owned by the State Government and the Department of Education will be responsible for all educational services, the PPP is a very different way of building and maintaining school facilities,” Mr. Collier said. “A private company will design and build the schools and then maintain them over a 25-year period. In addition, the company will finance the design and construction.”

Treasurer Mike Nahan said the PPP aimed to ensure high quality facilities. “We want to get the best value for the huge investment we are making in public school infrastructure.” The PPP includes facilities management services such as waste disposal, utilities management, gardening, cleaning and security.

“The Government does not commence payment until each school is operational and we can deduct payments if performance measures are not achieved,” Mr Collier said. “This will be a strong incentive for the company to deliver high quality schools on time and within budget, and ensure that ongoing maintenance is performed to a high standard.”

PPPs are used successfully in other States, with schools completed in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia under this model.