❓ Question regarding the Liberal-National government's plans for the refurbishment and extension of the Esperance Residential College, a boarding accommodation for students attending Esperance Senior High School. The Minister details the $13.3 million upgrade and expansion project.
AnsweredQoN 122Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
ESPERANCE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE — UPGRADE
It was good to accompany the minister when he unveiled the plans in my hometown of Esperance for the refurbishment and extension to the Esperance residential college. Can the minister please update the Liberal–National government’s plans for this important boarding accommodation for students attending the Esperance Senior High School. Mr B.J. GRYLLS
It was good to accompany the minister when he unveiled the plans in my hometown of Esperance for the refurbishment and extension to the Esperance residential college. Can the minister please update the Liberal–National government’s plans for this important boarding accommodation for students attending the Esperance Senior High School. Mr B.J. GRYLLS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Eyre for the question. Indeed, we had a very enjoyable time at the Esperance residential college. First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Eyre for the question. Indeed, we had a very enjoyable time at the Esperance residential college. First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
I thank the member for Eyre for the question. Indeed, we had a very enjoyable time at the Esperance residential college. First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS replied: I thank the member for Eyre for the question. Indeed, we had a very enjoyable time at the Esperance residential college. First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
I thank the member for Eyre for the question. Indeed, we had a very enjoyable time at the Esperance residential college. First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
First, I will begin by acknowledging the presence of Dudley Maslen, the president of the Shire of Carnarvon who is well-known to many members, and Maurice Battilana, the council chief executive officer, in the Speaker’s gallery. In acknowledging their presence today, I pay tribute to the enormous effort they have put in helping to stabilise and rebuild the community of Carnarvon after the devastating flood event, the aftermath of which many members here have visited. It is great to have you here, Dudley, and thank you for the effort you have undertaken. Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Turning to the Esperance residential college, for many years — Point of Order Mr M. McGOWAN : Mr Speaker, under standing order 75 questions may be asked of ministers regarding matters under the minister’s administrative responsibility. Boarding colleges are the responsibility of the Minister for Education and the minister assisting the Minister for Education, the member for Blackwood–Stirling. The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The SPEAKER : You have made your point of order, member. Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It is quite clear this is not under the minister’s responsibility and the question should be answered by the Minister for Education. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker, I would — The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The SPEAKER : I do not need a further point of order or clarification, Minister for Regional Development. I just want you to answer the question. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr B.J. GRYLLS : Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
It is an interesting outcome that the manager of opposition business just sought—that is, members to not be able to ask me any questions about royalties for regions projects that do not fall within my portfolio, which would leave me with a relatively quiet time over the next few years. Is he sure that that is what he wanted to happen? Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr M. McGowan : I just wanted the standing orders to be adhered to. Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Mr B.J. GRYLLS : The Esperance residential college is a very important educational facility in regional Western Australia. Esperance is undergoing a rapid period of expansion after the BHP Billiton mine in Hopetoun closed down. First, Quantum Minerals is at the stage of bringing that mine back online. A major expansion of the port is planned for the future, and there is a lot of focus on the Esperance community and the hinterland. Having good and proper boarding facilities is vital to the growth and strength of that community. The Liberal–National government is very proud of our plan to look after residential colleges and the schools that support them. The Minister for Education has gone through a lot of work and a lot of planning to put in place a very strong framework that focuses on regional centres, boarding accommodation and the education facilities in those towns so that she as education minister is comfortable that we have a very strong plan for the future. By partnering with the royalties for regions program, the Minister for Education and I have been able to unveil plans for a major upgrade of both the Esperance residential college—about which the member for Eyre has asked—and the Merredin residential college. Both languished for years on the “we should get around to it” list of the previous government. The government never quite got to the point of funding that work in the budget. We are now doing that. In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
In Esperance a total of $13.3 million will be spent on the college upgrade, and the boarding capacity will be increased from 90 to 114 students, and will include capacity for those with disabilities. Two new student accommodation blocks with 12 individual bedrooms and four new flats for the staff who look after the students will be built. Having looked at some of the work that has already been done, it is very exciting to see the quality of finish. I went to boarding school for five years, and would not have minded the facilities they have now. In Merredin, a total of $9 million will be spent. Two new student accommodation blocks to house 48 students and four new live-in flats for boarding supervisors will be built. The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
The education minister, through a partnership with royalties for regions, continues to look at further options to build the residential college network across the state. I will also say that this ties in very nicely with the Liberal–National government policy of improving the boarding away from home allowance to make it more affordable for families to send their kids to state facilities—that is, state schools and state-run boarding facilities. Over the next 40 years, Western Australia will grow by two million people. It is vitally important for our state that we have good growth in the metropolitan area and good growth in regional areas of the state. Good education facilities will help drive that growth and the Liberal–National government is certainly focusing on them.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.