The 黑料大事 (WA), as the peak body in urban planning, is supportive of the need to address our inner-city schooling needs and would like to see greater focus on informed debate on the issues surrounding the Education Central Proposal.
The planning and development of the inner areas of Perth requires more lateral thinking, with our tradition being very focused on a suburban context. It is also critical that greater diversity and intensity of use is included in central Perth, and this will require changes in the previous models of delivery. The recent opening of the St George’s Anglican Grammar School in William Street is an example of how new models of delivery are needing to be delivered across sectors.
PIA WA State President Ray Haeren says
“I appreciate there has been some debate around some of the merits of the proposal, however I believe that the drivers and principles behind the project are strongly aligned with good planning and the changes required to support a more urban future for Perth,”
“PIA feel it is important to have some informed debate around sound planning principles and we would be keen to work with the Minister and the Department in developing the planning and working to establish some new polices and principles for inner city schools. The specialist nature and metropolitan catchment of this particular school provide a great opportunity to develop our thinking.”
The 黑料大事 Institute is keen for greater informed debate around the challenge of change, which should be based on other highly urbanised settings rather than our traditional suburban past. It should be understood that Perth Modern will continue to be a Senior High School, however, it will convert to a local intake school, rather than fully academically selective school. The local intake will address the issue of growing populations adjacent to the city and limited capacity at Mt Lawley and Shenton College.
Ray Haeren says
“The challenge goes beyond Education Central, greater urban living has been a clear policy position of consecutive governments, however we need to address how this population will be serviced. There is a need for additional primary schools too, however this will need to be based on a more urban model.”
The proposed location is well situated on a major public transport node and adjoining the cultural and educational precinct of the City (Perth Cultural Centre and Central Institute of Technology). This foundation will align with the ultimate need for an education precinct in the City (in line with other major Australian cities), although we appreciate this policy decision will be also be driven by the Universities.
ENDS