“We’ve said if the deal stacks up, we’ll be a part of it, but we have not been made a fair offer by the state government.
“So I say directly to the Premier, I appeal to your sense of fairness, your sense of good leadership and your sense of doing what is right for the ratepayers of the City of Perth. Just make us a fair offer.
“Whether it’s a cash offer, or a land swap offer, and we can all get on with delivering a primary school for Perth.”
The new school was touted as a much-needed addition to the education system, with nearby schools including Highgate Primary School bursting at the seams.
But the plans have been the subject of robust debate, including over whether the state government ever offered to compensate the city for what could have been up to $40 million for the acquisition of two car parks to build the future school.
Education Minister Tony Buti has claimed the decision was a direct result of Zempilas’ political views.
“This is an extremely disappointing decision by the City of Perth,” Buti told this masthead.
“We made this announcement nearly a year ago, alongside representatives from the City of Perth in good faith, and they have consistently said they wanted to work in partnership with the state government to deliver a new primary school for East Perth.
“The arrangement regarding the land was clear from the start.
“The city’s leadership is now blocking a primary school from being built, which is not only confusing, but very frustrating for residents who want a new school for their kids.
“We are committed to doing the right thing by inner-city families and building a new primary school even though the City of Perth no longer supports it.”
The only councillor to speak against the motion was David Goncalves, who said it was extraordinary that the recommendation had reached elected members at the eleventh-hour with no opportunity for review or community feedback.
“Is this about a genuine partnership, or is this about politics?” he said.
The council asked chief executive Michelle Reynolds to continue working with the state government to secure a deal it deemed ‘satisfactory’.
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