R4R should pay for science labs: Dawson

Labor Member for Mining and Pastoral Stephen Dawson has called for Royalties for Regions to fund new science labs and equipment at Pilbara Primary Schools.

The comments came after WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan announced the ‘Science in Schools’ policy, to ignite a passion for science among kids in regional WA.

The initiative would see $12million allocated to convert existing classrooms into science labs and a further $5 million for regional schools to buy science resources.

Mr Dawson said in many Pilbara classrooms science was taught in general classrooms not fit for purpose built science labs.

He added it was critical to create a more hands-on learning environment to get kids engaged in science.

“We want kids in the Pilbara to be given the tools they need to aspire to a career in science and it’s important to immerse them in science at an early age,” he said.

“It’s time to get serious about preparing students for jobs outside of the resources industry and create new employment opportunities.

“This policy is good for kids in the Pilbara and good for the WA economy.”

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions had already made a significant investment of $57 million to improve the delivery of early childhood, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education in the Pilbara.

“The Karratha Trade Training Centre at St Luke’s College has benefited from Royalties for Regions investment, providing a pathway into electrical trades for students,” he said.

“Royalties for Regions funds given to Pundulmurra College in South Hedland, in partnership with Curtin University, has enabled Pilbara students to complete a Bachelor of Science Nursing, Enrolled Nursing and Registered Nursing programs through the Pilbara Region Pilot Program.

“Other projects to benefit include the Performing Arts Centre at St Luke’s in Karratha, the Health and Community Service Training Centre at the Pilbara Institutes’ Pundulmurra Campus...and the Hedland Senior High School Upgrades and Refurbishment.”

Minister Redman added the Pilbara Cities program had delivered more than $1.7bn of Royalties for Regions into significant health, community, education, housing, infrastructure and support services since 2009.

“These investments have transformed the way people live, work and visit the region,” he said.