$6m school oval backed

The WA Education Department has defended a $6.27 million price tag to develop a new sporting oval at Margaret River Senior High School. The money was announced last week as part of the WA Government’s stimulus measures to support jobs in regional WA. The department’s executive director of infrastructure John Fischer said the money included extended facilities. “The scope of works for the new oval includes reticulated turf with sub-soil drainage and fencing,” he said. “Tiered retaining walls and clean fill is required to address the undulating site. “Universal access ramps, paths and stairs, practice nets, new additional courts and goalposts with vehicle access and an adjustment to the sewer line will also be provided.” The new oval will be to the south of the new hardcourts and sports hall, to the west of new intensive farming buildings. “The community garden should not be impacted by these works,” Mr Fischer said. “In addition, the current green space skills area will not be impacted.” Warren-Blackwood MLA Terry Redman, pictured, said the new oval would complement a recently completed campus expansion funded under the Liberal-National Government from Royalties for Regions. “The new oval is a project I have been advocating for, as it will provide a much-needed outdoor facility for the growing number of students at the school,” he said. “I hope local contractors are given the chance to undertake this work providing much-needed jobs in the region.”