The NSW government has built a record-equalling 42 new and upgraded schools this year, and is poised to break the record in Term 3.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than $1.3 billion has been invested in the record breaking 2020 building program benefitting thousands of students and providing thousands of construction jobs.
“Even during the challenge of the pandemic, NSW has kept building,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“On Day 1 of Term 3 we are opening five new and upgraded schools which will benefit up to 3,000 students.”
In 2019, the NSW Government opened 42 new and upgraded schools with more than $1 billion invested.
Today’s announcement was made during a visit to Ku-ring-gai High School to open a multi-million-dollar upgrade, including 15 new classrooms and a new multipurpose hall.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was thrilled the next phase of school building is well underway with planners, architects and builders to be engaged by the end of 2020 on more than 130 projects representing a total project value of $1.2 billion.
“We will continue our record $6.7 billion investment in school infrastructure to support our students and ensure they have access to high quality education facilities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The scale of school building in NSW is unprecedented and will ensure our growing communities have quality schools to learn in.”
The fast-tracking of planning approvals through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program also means construction has started or will begin soon on eight school projects.
“We will support jobs across the state today as we look to recover from COVID-19, and at the same time secure the future prosperity of NSW by enhancing schools for our students and teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools opening on Day 1, Term 3 2020 include:
- Jordan Springs Public School (new)
- Karabar High School (upgrade)
- Ku-ring-gai High School (upgrade)
- Speers Point Public School (upgrade)
- Yass High School (upgrade)