Clash over millions promised for schools

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli has called Opposition Leader Mark McGowan’s pre-election promise to pump millions into the region’s high schools as “laughable”.

Mr McGowan was in Bunbury last week to announce $5 million would go to Bunbury Senior High School and $11.1 million for Australind Senior High School if Labor was elected in March.

He said $9 million would be allocated to help regional students study a full range of subjects.

Mr Castrilli said Mr McGowan was trying to play catch-up by announcing funding for projects which were already committed to by the Government.

The funding was announced by the Liberal-led Government last year and construction was expected to start mid-year.

“Labor’s so-called promises to invest $5 million into Bunbury Senior High School and $11.1 million into Australind Senior High School are laughable,” Mr Castrilli said.

“Local residents don’t need to be hoodwinked by having things promised to them which are in fact already under way.”

Standing alongside Labor candidate for Bunbury Karen Steele at Des Ugle Park on Friday, Mr McGowan also promised $1.5 million for the Withers Urban Renewal Project, $70,000 for Bunbury Sea Rescue, $300,000 for park upgrades and $50,000 to the Leschenault Catchment Council.

He said a Labor Government would make Bunbury a priority and invest in schools and community facilities.

Cr Steele said previous WA Labor Governments invested heavily in the South West.

“WA Labor will ensure young Bunbury people have access to apprenticeships and traineeships on all big building projects and support local business by enforcing the buy local policy,” Cr Steele said.

A series of further announcements on law and order, costs of living, health, education, the environment and jobs are expected from Mr McGowan in the lead up to the State Election.