WA Government Commits $68.4 Million to New Alkimos High School in Major Education Investment
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has unveiled a significant funding package for education, headlined by a $68.4 million allocation for the development of a new Alkimos North Senior High School. The announcement was made at Piara Waters Primary School on Monday, marking a key component of a broader four-year $2.1 billion investment in the state's education infrastructure.
Addressing Rapid Population Growth in Perth's Northern Corridor
The funding is specifically designated for land acquisition and early works to support the construction of the high school, which is urgently needed to accommodate surging student numbers in Alkimos. This suburb has experienced explosive growth, with its population skyrocketing from 6,269 in 2016 to over 10,200 in 2021, and current estimates now exceed 18,000 residents. Further expansion is anticipated as development continues along Perth's northern corridor.
Just last month, the State Government released land for 4,100 new homes across Eglinton and Yanchep, underscoring the pressing demand for educational facilities. Alkimos College, which opened only in 2020, already reports an enrollment of 1,219 students from Years 7 to 12 as of Semester 2, 2025, highlighting the immediate need for additional capacity.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Projects Across Perth
In addition to the Alkimos high school, several other projects in Perth's northern suburbs were formally announced as part of Monday's funding package. These include:
- $16.2 million for a new sports hall with advanced sports science facilities at Belridge Secondary College in Beldon.
- $11.2 million for a new early childhood education facility at Inglewood Primary School.
The southern suburbs are also set to benefit, with $85 million allocated to expand student capacity at Harrisdale Senior High School, Riva Primary School, and Piara Waters Primary School. Overall, the 2026-27 State Budget, to be presented by Treasurer Rita Saffioti on Thursday, May 7, includes a total of $754 million for new schools, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance across Western Australia.
Government and Opposition Perspectives on the Investment
Treasurer Rita Saffioti emphasized that this record investment by the Cook Labor Government is designed to support rapidly growing communities. "This funding will deliver better facilities for students and teachers, support local jobs, and ensure our schools are ready for future population growth," she stated. Between now and 2030, the plan anticipates the opening of 11 new public primary schools and two new high schools statewide.
However, the announcement faced criticism from the Opposition, with Shadow Education Minister Liam Staltari accusing the Government of playing catch-up. "Not a single genuinely new, fully funded school has been announced today. This is simply a rehash of existing commitments, not a plan to deliver new schools for WA's growing communities," he argued, attributing current overcrowding and pressure in schools to years of infrastructure neglect.
Meanwhile, construction is already underway on the $45.5 million Alkimos North East Primary School, which is on schedule to open at the start of the 2027 school year and is likely to fall within the catchment area of the new high school, further enhancing educational resources in the region.
