Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Camden Sally Quinnell today visited Gregory Hills Public School to turn the first sod and mark the start of construction for the new school.
The new school will replace a temporary school that opened on day 1 term 1 2023 – a stop-gap measure after the former Liberal ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ government repeatedly failed to deliver on its promise to build a school.
The new primary school will cater for up to 1000 children from the area and is anticipated to open next year as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its promise to prioritise schools in the fast-growing northwest and southwest of Sydney.
The State Significant Development application is now approved and the construction contract is imminent.
It follows 2 major education milestones in southwest Sydney. Last month construction began on the stage 2 upgrade for neighbouring Gledswood Hills Primary School which will deliver an additional 20 learning spaces.
Gregory Hills has grown from 38 people in 2011 to 14300 in 2021. The Camden LGA is growing from a population of 107,908 in 2021 to 197,735 in 2041 – an increase of 83%.
The new primary school was first promised by the former government in 2018, it was supposed to be delivered in 2023, but the school had been delayed.
The permanent Gregory Hills Public School will include 44 learning spaces, 4 support learning spaces, administration and staff facilities, a canteen, multi-purpose hall, library, covered outdoor learning area and landscaped outdoor learning areas.
Outdoor play areas will include a sports court and a playing field, with the potential for shared community use.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“I met with parents and the community as one of my first visits when I became Labor leader. I’m proud to return as premier to turn the sod on Gregory Hills Primary School.”
“Southwest Sydney is one of the fastest growing parts of Australia. Families moved into this area under the impression they would get a new school.
“For years, all they have had is a vacant block of land. Parents have waited long enough, the community has waited long enough.”
“Parents, carers and kids in this area deserve a proper school and I am happy to be starting that process today.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:
“Our government recognises the importance of education and local schools, and that is why we are supporting families who came to this area of Sydney to build a community.”
“I am delighted to be here to celebrate as we take an important step forward in this school’s journey, and I look forward to seeing the new school take shape.”
Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:
“The new primary school will be a much-needed facility for our community and I am very pleased that construction has now begun.”
“This is an essential project for our growing community, and there are more big changes to come now that we have started the process to locate a site for a new local high school.”
