North West Central by-election: Nationals talk housing, health and education in Exmouth

The Nationals will push for a kindergarten to Year 12 community college to be built in Exmouth, if they win Saturday’s North West Central by-election. “Many senior students are studying via SIDE (is School of Isolated and Distance Education), which is a great option for remote students, but we should be working toward face-to-face for every classroom from kindergarten to year 12,” Nationals candidate Merome Beard said. Education Minister Sue Ellery said building a new community college was unnecessary, stating the currently existing Exmouth District High School had more than enough capacity for students in the area, and already accommodates students from kindergarten to Year 12. Ms Ellery also pointed to several upgrades to the high school had received, with $15 million in upgrades in the last decade, and plans to soon deliver $885,000 in upgrades and grants. Housing shortages and health access were other issues at the forefront of locals’ mind when WA Opposition Leader Mia Davies joined Ms Beard on the campaign trail in Exmouth. Ms Davies said the issues heard while speaking to Exmouth locals were consistent with what she has heard across the region, particularly more housing needed to bring in workers and help the skills shortage and improved access to health care. “The Government has dragged its heals on worker accommodation,” she said. Ms Davies told voters they should support the Nationals, in a race contested between a record 12 candidates, as they were the party with the most experience representing regional Western Australia. “Merome has lived here and understands the experience many here face,” she said. “She will be joining the team that focuses on regional WA.”