The NSW Government will invest more than $1.4 billion over four years to deliver a massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools for regional NSW after more than a decade of closures and neglect under the former government.

Under the previous government, too many regional communities were given false promises or ignored altogether.

Under the government’s plan to rebuild essential services, local public schools are being prioritised across regional NSW to address overcrowding and improve ageing facilities.

After years of stop-start planning and piecemeal funding under the previous government, the NSW Government will build:

• A new primary school for Nowra

• A new high school for Medowie

• A new primary school for Albury Thurgoona

• A new high school for Googong

• A new high school for Bungendore

• Stage 2 of the new high school for Jerrabomberra

Regional schools undergoing major rebuilds include:

• Gillieston Public School

• Jindabyne Education Campus

• Lennox Head Public School

Regional communities will also see major upgrades to deliver first-rate facilities at their local public schools, including at:

• Bomaderry High School

• Hunter River High School

• Irrawang High School

• Moruya High School

• Murrumbidgee Regional High School, Griffith High Campus

• Murrumbidgee Regional High School, Wade High Campus

• Upgrades across Murwillumbah Public School, Murwillumbah East Public School, Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School.

• Ulladulla High School

• Ulladulla Public School

• Milton Public School

• Vincentia High School

• Yanco Agricultural High School

In addition, the NSW Government is beginning planning for future regional schools, including new schools for Calderwood, West Dapto, Flinders, Pottsville, and Huntlee.

The NSW Government will also progress critical school rebuilds needed in the Northern Rivers after last year’s devastating floods.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Communities across regional NSW have been crying out for urgently needed schools and school upgrades but under the previous Liberal National Government they were left behind.

“The previous Liberal National government’s record on education in regional NSW was marked by forced mergers and empty promises.

“Whether it is new builds, expanded facilities, or significant upgrades, the Minns Labor Government will get the job done because we know the importance of a good education.

“The Minns Labor Government is making the tough decisions to address holes left in the Budget by the Liberals and Nationals and ensure we fund the essential services people rely - on a great education, recruiting teachers and delivering quality schools to regional areas.”

Minister for Regional and Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“A $1.4 billion investment in school facilities for regional people is a big win that I am very proud of our government being able to deliver.

“Regional areas have had their educational needs badly neglected over the last decade, and we are turning around that situation in the first Minns Labor Government budget.

“The strong commitment to enhancing regional education facilities reflects our strong commitment to regional people across all of government.”