More than $6 billion will be spent in the NSW 2021-22 Budget on supporting teachers, new and upgraded schools and technology to connect our regional students.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said schools are better funded under the NSW Government than ever before, with this government ensuring regional students have access to the same level of world-class educational facilities as students who live in the city.

“Our kids in the bush are benefitting from a government who cares about them because this year’s budget will see a further $6 billion invested in their future,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Regional communities are also receiving record investment in school infrastructure with more than $1 billion committed to new and upgraded regional school projects across the state.”

Nine new and upgraded school projects in regional and rural NSW have been approved for funding as part of the 2021-22 Budget.

• Yanco Agricultural High School
• Wee Waa High School
• Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Stage 2
• South Nowra/Worrigee – new primary school
• Hunter River High School – Upgrade
• Hastings Secondary College Joint Use PCYC
• Irrawang High School
• Newcastle Education Campus
• Bombaderry High School – upgrade

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said children from preschool, right through to primary and high school will benefit from this year’s $21.5 billion education budget.

“Regional families have one less financial concern with our government investing $150 million to provide free preschool in NSW, including more than 350 regional and remote preschools, saving families up to $4,000 a year per child,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Inside the classroom, regional students are becoming more connected with roll out of high-speed internet and new devices being provided to students and teachers.

“Regardless of where a student is located, we are committed to providing quality education and modern spaces to learn in. We want every student in the state to have the ability to learn and achieve their full potential, and this budget reflects that.

“To ensure regional communities continue to have a constant supply of quality teachers we are improving incentives and the midcareer pathways to teaching for professionals. We are also investing $125 million in a Teacher Supply Strategy, due for release later this year.”

The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.