Roger Cook and WA Labor making our State schools cool

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will begin the process of installing modern and effective air-conditioning across all Western Australian State schools.
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to upgrade air-conditioning across WA public schools
  • $89 million to deliver first tranche of modern, ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning projects
  • WA Labor commits to long-term upgrade program to ensure all State schools have quality systems to improve learning and teaching environments

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will begin the process of installing modern and effective air-conditioning across all Western Australian State schools.

While many public schools in Western Australia already have modern air-conditioning systems – including in the hottest parts of the State – there is significant work to be done to retrofit WA’s older schools with new reverse-cycle technology. This will improve learning environments for students and working conditions for teachers and school staff.

WA Labor’s $89 million Cool the Schools package will deliver air-conditioning upgrades at an initial 45 public schools in Perth and regional WA – from Kalgoorlie Primary School and Leonora District High School in the Goldfields, to Newborough Primary School in Perth's north, to Bull Creek Primary School in the southern suburbs, and at Harvey Primary School and Dardanup Primary School in the South West.

These projects, to be undertaken over four years, will be the start of a progressive installation of modern air-conditioning in all new and existing WA schools.

This commitment will build on the significant work already undertaken by the WA Labor Government since 2019 to install ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning in all new schools and replace older evaporative air-conditioning systems in many existing schools.

These projects will have the added benefit of removing gas heating systems from many schools, delivering environmental benefits.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“Every Western Australian knows how hot it can get inside during summer."

“Air conditioning has become a necessity in many parts of WA in recent years, and the proliferation of more affordable systems means the time is right for all public schools to be properly air-conditioned."

“We’ve heard from families and P&Cs that students learn best when they’re cool, and we want our incredible teachers and school staff to be able to work in comfortable environments."

“That’s why we’re committing to do what’s right for WA and install modern, effective air conditioning in 45 more public schools, and then every remaining public school across the State."

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