DEVELOPER Stockland has entered into a public-private partnership by providing $2.4 million towards the cost of a new primary school at its Settlers Hills Estate in Baldivis.
Construction of the $7.3 million school got under way this week in anticipation of the first student intake at the start of 2005.
The State Government will reimburse Stockland after three years, with no interest payable.
“By pre-funding construction of the new primary school, Stockland was ensuring children in Settlers Hills could secure a place in a brand new school, within walking distance of their homes, Stockland WA general manager Nick Perrignon said.
Traditionally, the education department waits for already existing schools to get to a “critical mass” before creating a new school.
The arrangement between Stockland and the State Government has relieved some of the immediate burden on the Government with regard to the estate, and on nearby Baldivis Primary School, which has experienced a 24 per cent increase in annual enrolments since 2002.
Stockland WA marketing manager Loretta Sivwright said the assurance that parents could buy land with a school in close proximity had proven to be an effective marketing tool.
Local member Norm Marlborough MLA said the school project recognised the growing needs of the Rockingham region.
“This is a great example of how a collaboration between the private sector and government can bring wide-ranging benefits to the local community,” he said.
Stockland has also signed an agreement with the Water Corporation to create Western Australia’s first Waterwise Village, whereby 12 houses will be fitted out with waterwise appliances and landscape designs.
The agreement is a kick-start to a family of programs run by the Water Corporation, which aims to eventually have every new home in the State built using waterwise principles.
Housing and Works Minister Nick Griffiths welcomed Stockland’s leadership on this issue, and said a further 10 display villages were likely to join by June this year.
