Liberal MP Libby Mettam blasts Labor Government for ‘insult’ to Cowaramup Primary School community

Margaret River-based Labor MP Jackie Jarvis has talked up the State Government’s action to address concerns about safety issues at Cowaramup Primary School despite just a $60,000 budget allocation. The move was blasted by Vasse MLA Libby Mettam as manifestly inadequate given a long shopping list of concerns at the growing school raised with the Times during the past decade. Education Minister Sue Ellery’s office confirmed the funding and a work order about to go out to tender to address a decrepit roof in one classroom block. That comes despite school Parents and Citizens committee president Joel Hall last month telling the Times a lack of action to address items found in a 2016 school audit was causing headaches at the booming school already under pressure from Cowaramup’s nation-leading population growth. In September, the Times reported the number of transportable classrooms, safety issues and lack of space and security for specialist classes and the school library all needed investment. “The audit noted that some existing buildings ‘were insufficient in almost all aspects’ and had ‘well and truly surpassed’ their lifecycles,” Mr Hall said last month. “Buildings are sagging and cracking and have been recommended to be completely replaced due to safety concerns.” Ms Mettam said the heralded new investment was an “insult”. “This Government continues to spruik their band-aid solutions, instead of properly addressing major infrastructure works that are urgently needed,” the Liberal MP said. “The students deserve an equal playing field with the best possible learning environment and facilities into the future and I will continue to advocate on their behalf. “The students and school community are being severely let down by this Government. “It is time for the Minister to step up and address the actual needs of this school.” However, Ms Jarvis welcomed the Minister intervening after she campaigned on behalf of the school community, with the work scheduled for the coming summer break. “Many new families have moved into Cowaramup in recent years, and I know that the Department of Education is actively monitoring enrolment growth and the increased residential development in the region,” she said. “Towns across the South West are experiencing significant population growth and I am committed to ensuring all local students have access to a high quality education.” The MLC lauded the new money following $75,000 for maintenance awarded in 2019 and a $40,000 grant for science equipment last year. Mr Hall previously said the school’s STEM program was suffering with a lack of a dedicated space, as were arts and craft and extension programs.