$5m school project is set to boost science learning

Construction is set to begin tomorrow on the new $5 million science facility at Eaton Community College.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murry spoke to Eaton Community College principal Gail Allen and students when he visited the school on Friday.

Mr Murray said the facility would help in areas such as science which was a focus of the State Government.

“If we are going to push that line we are going to need the facilities to go with that so it is very, very important,” Mr Murray said.

The facility will include two chemistry laboratories, four general laboratories and special areas for science staff as well as storage.

Mr Murry said the desire for the facility was evident with feedback from parents and the push for science from the McGowan Government.

“I came down here before the last election and spoke to mums, dads and school teachers and it was very obvious that was their top priority,” Mr Murry said.

After speaking with a student on Friday, Mr Murray said it was clear the facility was warranted.

“I just spoke to a young student from the college before and she said she is keen on doing criminology, so science will definitely be a part of that,” he said.

“Straight away that tells you there is a need for that sort of facility within the school.

“Also the variation of courses that will be on offer will attract students to the campus itself - if we don’t have those variations they’ll go elsewhere and the school will struggle.”

Mrs Allen said the new facility would provide more advanced learning resources.

“The opportunities are immense for our students because what it will offer is state-of-the-art equipment we could really use,” Mrs Allen said.

“15 years ago this particular campus was built and we need to move on to the latest technology and also integrate more major subjects.”

A spokesman from BGC said construction was due to be complete on February 19, 2020.