The ACT Government is continuing to plan for and invest in Canberra's future by building new public schools in growing regions.
"Through the 2020-21 budget, $27.4 million will be allocated to scope the design of a new high school in Taylor and undertake preparatory work to expand the Margaret Hendry Primary School in north Gungahlin, and supporting road infrastructure for the new suburb of Kenny and enabling works for the new high school," said Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
"Gungahlin is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and more Canberra families are choosing public education."
"Public school student numbers in ACT public schools continue to increase by around three percent each year and the government will continue planning for student growth across Canberra," Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said.
"The government is committed to doing the heavy lifting when it comes to action on climate change. These new and expanded public schools will operate with zero carbon emissions–contributing to the government's net zero emissions target by 2045."
Funding of $2 million will be allocated to begin scoping and design work in 2021 for a new high school in Taylor to cater for around 800 students to be ready by the 2024 school year.
Funding of $1 million to begin preparatory work to expand the Margaret Hendry Primary School in north Gungahlin to cater for up to 600 additional primary school students. This work will begin in 2021, with the school expansion expected to be ready by the start of the 2023 school year.
$24.4 million for supporting road infrastructure for the new suburb of Kenny and enabling works to support the high school in Kenny that will cater for 800 students from years 7 to 10.
The new high school in Kenny will also feature a multi-purpose double gymnasium that will be available for community use.
This investment will also contribute to the ACT's Jobs and Recovery Plan to rebuild our economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every $200,000 spent on infrastructure per year supports one job in the construction industry. Each new school will create jobs for new teachers, support staff, and building support officers.
The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a place at a great local public school and protecting local jobs for Canberrans.
