WA schools use transportable buildings for one-in-six classrooms
- The Western Australian government faces accusations of poor planning and underfunding in the Perth metropolitan area after data revealed that nearly one-in-six classrooms in state schools are now...
- According to a document tabled in parliament, more than 4,000 transportables are currently deployed across Western Australian schools.
- The tabled data focuses on 38 schools opened since 2017, comprising 30 primary and eight secondary schools.
The Western Australian government faces accusations of poor planning and underfunding in the Perth metropolitan area after data revealed that nearly one-in-six classrooms in state schools are now transportable buildings. Opposition education spokesman Liam Staltari claims the Department of Education has relied on these temporary structures to manage sharp growth in student enrolments, particularly in newer suburbs and the southern growth corridor.
According to a document tabled in parliament, more than 4,000 transportables are currently deployed across Western Australian schools. Staltari stated that these buildings are crowding out green spaces and ovals in schools that are bursting at the seams.
The tabled data focuses on 38 schools opened since 2017, comprising 30 primary and eight secondary schools. The figures show that at Wellard Primary School, which opened in 2018, more than half of all classrooms are transportable. Similar ratios are reported for Oakwood and Aspiri primary schools, both of which opened in 2019. At Riva Primary School, transportables make up 38 per cent of the classrooms.
Government response to classroom capacity demands
Education Minister Sabine Winton defended the use of temporary buildings, describing modern transportables as a cost-effective tool to rapidly increase capacity as enrolment demands change. Winton said the government is committed to meeting demand through a combination of new constructions and expansions to existing sites.
Winton confirmed the government will build 11 new primary schools and two new high schools between now and 2030.
- Alkimos
- Banksia Grove
- Piara Waters
- Treeby
- Brabham
- Vasse
The minister stated that these new schools will address enrolment demands and lead to the removal of transportables. She also noted that expansion projects are currently underway at Highgate, Harrisdale, and Brabham primary schools to increase permanent capacity.
Funding disputes and planning history
The debate over school infrastructure has evolved into a clash over funding records. Winton claimed the current government’s vision for public education contrasts with the WA Liberals, who she said committed only 16 per cent of what Labor did during the 2025 election.
Analyzing schools opened since March 2017, Winton asserted that those planned under the previous Liberal-National Government had fewer permanent classrooms on average than those opened under the McGowan and Cook Labor Governments. She added that this includes the three schools currently reporting the highest percentage of transportable classrooms.
Staltari rejected this framing, stating that Labor entered office criticizing the use of transportables but has overseen a situation that is now worse than ever. He attributed the reliance on temporary buildings to a decade of underfunding and poor planning, even in areas identified as obvious growth corridors.
Planned infrastructure additions for 2026-27
As part of the 2026-27 state budget, the government has funded a new permanent addition designed to accommodate 240 students. This specific project is intended to reduce the reliance on transportable classrooms at the site. Winton maintained that the Department of Education continues to monitor enrolment trends and collaborates with principals to ensure school needs are met.
More than 4000 transportables are now placed across WA schools, crowding out ovals, green space and other areas in schools that are literally bursting at the seams. Liam Staltari, Opposition education spokesman