School children are at the centre of the 2020/21 NSW Budget, with record funding for new schools and major upgrades across regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the budget backs up his commitment to deliver quality education that is close to home for students.
“The 2020/21 NSW Budget will be known as the education budget for a generation,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government are delivering on the commitment to provide new high schools for communities in my electorate such as Jerrabomberra and Bungendore, and a new primary school for our youngest learners in Googong.
“Since becoming Member for Monaro, one of my absolute top priorities has been ensuring we give our children the best start possible by investing in education.
“This significant investment, outlined in today’s budget, will give students and parents more education options on this side of the border, meaning our kids have more time with their family and friends and less time on the school bus.
“This budget makes it clear that money is flowing and communities will soon see shovels in the ground. All three new schools will be ready for students in the first quarter of 2023, as promised.”
Upgrading existing school infrastructure is also at the forefront of the budget, with more than $33 million in the 2020-21 budget allocated for Monaro High School’s upgrade for this year, with the total project cost totalling $47 million.
“During a recent visit to Monaro High School, it was amazing to see how much work has already gone into delivering this upgrade,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This is a significant project for the community, with this investment delivering 31 new innovative, flexible classrooms, including 11 specialised learning spaces for art, performance and technology. An allocation of $33 million means this year will be a big one for Monaro High.”
The budget also included more than $11.8 million dollars for the major upgrade of Braidwood Central School and significant funding for Jindabyne Central School.
“The upgrade of Braidwood Central School is a very important project for the local community. More and more families are moving to town and this upgrade will cater for that demand,” Mr Barilaro said.
“At Jindabyne it is a similar story, with students crammed into classrooms and the current learning environment simply not big enough. I’m excited the NSW Nationals in the state government are delivering facilities that will benefit the community for years to come.
“I want to see every student, no matter where they live, enjoy the same educational opportunities and facilities. That is why this government is investing in regional education more than ever, from new schools, maintenance, roofs and free tutoring.”
For more information about the NSW Government’s 2020-21 Budget, please go to budget.nsw.gov.au.