A significant $30 million redevelopment pledge for Como Secondary College, one of the oldest schools in Western Australia, faces delays and funding shortfalls. The Cook Government’s commitment, made during the lead-up to the March elections, is intended to support upgrades at the school located in the inner-city electorate of South Perth.
Local member Geoff Baker campaigned heavily on this promise, which was crucial in helping the Labor Party maintain its hold on the seat, despite facing an 8.5 percent swing towards Bronwyn Waugh, the Liberal candidate. However, recent internal documents from the Department of Education, obtained by The West Australian, reveal that the proposed renovations will be rolled out in stages over a period of seven years, with no immediate funding allocated for construction.
According to the documents, the $30 million pledged will only cover the initial phase of the redevelopment, with the overall cost expected to double. The school, which opened in 1969, has been due for upgrades for years. An audit in 2022 highlighted several areas needing improvement “should funding become available.”
A 2021 briefing note stated, “The Department of Education is aware that the condition of the education buildings and facilities at Como Secondary College are below the current benchmark standards.” It further indicated that the Department plans to seek additional capital funding in future budget processes for significant upgrades over multiple years.
Liam Staltari, Shadow Education Minister, criticized the Cook Government for its handling of the situation. “At election time, Premier Cook was quick to talk up ‘planned upgrades’ and splash them across social media. But now the election is over, we learn Como Secondary College has been only allocated modest funding,” Mr. Staltari said. He emphasized that under the current timeline, students might graduate before experiencing the benefits of the new facilities.
Staltari expressed frustration over the government’s priorities, noting, “It’s an insult to the teachers, parents, and students at Como that the Government can fully fund and fast-track its Burswood Racetrack as a top priority, while their school is left in limbo.” He called for the government to focus on urgent upgrades for Como Secondary College rather than making flashy announcements.
A spokesperson for the Cook Government stated that the commitment of $30 million towards the expansion remains in place, with $650,000 allocated in the 2024-25 State Budget for planning purposes. The spokesperson confirmed that Perth-based T&Z Architects have been engaged to begin design work, and the Department of Education is collaborating closely with the school on the project.
Despite these commitments, no specific timeline for the commencement of construction has been announced. The situation raises concerns about the future of educational facilities in the area, especially as the need for upgrades continues to grow. The local community, including parents and educators, are left waiting for clarity on when these essential improvements will finally take place.
