More than 200 demountables have been flagged for removal as part of ongoing NSW Government upgrades to schools in the Greater Western Sydney suburb of Parramatta.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said the demountable buildings will be replaced with high-quality, permanent school facilities.
“Demountables were always intended to be a temporary stop-gap measure, but due to 12 years of gross mismanagement and neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, they became a permanent fixture at many Western Sydney schools,” said Ms Car.
“In the Parramatta area we were elected with a clear promise to the community that we would clean up the school infrastructure mess left by the former government.
“As we upgrade and build new schools, we are removing more than 200 demountables and replacing them with permanent, high-quality classrooms and school buildings.
“We cannot rebuild public education across Western Sydney overnight, but we are committed to finally delivering world-class facilities, so every child can access a high-quality education in their local area.”
Projects in the planning, design or construction phases include:
- – Carlingford West Public School upgrade
- – Cumberland High school upgrade
- – Darcy Road Public School upgrade
- – Girraween Public School upgrade
- – Dundas Public School upgrade
- – Melrose Park new high school
- – Melrose Park Public School redevelopment
- – Newington Public School Upgrade
- – Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School upgrade
- – Northmead Public School upgrade
- – Parramatta East Public School upgrade
- – Telopea Public School upgrade
- – Wentworth Point Public School upgrade (stage 2)
The Government has confirmed it will also remove 21 demountables from Parramatta East Public School and provide more play space for local students, with plans now on exhibition for community feedback.
The new three-storey building (pictured) on Albert Street East will include 24 new classrooms, six common areas, six large multipurpose spaces, a new support learning unit with three classrooms, a new school library, new student bathrooms and a new administration area with separate public and student entrances.
The school upgrade will also include the refurbishment of six existing classrooms, conversion of the existing library into a staff room, and the provision of more staff parking.
“This Parramatta East Public School upgrade will have a lasting impact on the lives of local students academically, physically and creatively for years to come,” said Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis.
“Making these investments in public schools ensures our schools remain valuable community assets, providing benefits to local families and children for generations.”
The planning application for the upgrade, known as a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), is now on public exhibition until Monday, 21 April. To view the plans or make a submission, visit the NSW Planning Portal link on the department’s project webpage.
