The NSW Government is today marking the start of main construction works on a new multi-million dollar upgrade at Darcy Road Public School in Wentworthville.
The upgrade of the Western Sydney school is the 23rd major public education project started since NSW Labor formed Government 1 year ago today.
The upgrade will mean 21 long-standing demountables can be removed and replaced with new permanent buildings and modern classrooms, new administration facilities, a new library, a new canteen, a refurbished school hall, an extension of the school's carpark and upgrade to core facilities to support the growing population in Western Sydney.
In the last 12 months the Government has made progress with its long-term plan to address the school infrastructure backlog left after 12 years of Liberal and National government.
This includes announcing plans for new public primary schools in Sydney Olympic Park, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Nowra, and high schools in Tallawong, Gledswood Hills, Jordan Springs, Medowie, Googong and Melrose Park.
The NSW Government is also continuing work on the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state's history, after making a record $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools where they are needed most.
By scrapping the unfair wages cap and striking an agreement that saw teachers handed the largest pay rise in a generation, the NSW Government has also made major strides addressing the chronic teacher shortage presided over by the former government.
Under a Labor Government, teachers in NSW went from being among the worst paid in the nation to the best in just a few short months.
Reversing the trend of casualisation seen under the Liberals and Nationals, the NSW Government has also provided more than 16,000 temporary teachers and school-based support staff permanent employment.
A temporary school has been put in place to support Darcy Road students throughout the upgrade, with students relocating to their temporary classrooms in Term 4 2023.
Early pre-construction works have been underway at the site ahead of the start of main construction works.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"The NSW government is committed to rebuilding the essential services and addressing the school infrastructure backlog. This is why we are making a record investment for urgently needed new and upgraded schools across the state, including Darcy Road.
"This targeted investment in growing communities will ensure every student in NSW has access to a world class public education, no matter where they live.
"There is still work to be done, but over the past year we have hit the ground running to strengthen our teacher workforce and ensure every student in NSW has access to a free, quality education."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"I am delighted to see works begin here at Darcy Road Public School - where this school is set to receive a massive boost as we significantly upgrade their facilities.
"Students here have been learning in demountable classrooms for years, and it is fantastic to see Western Sydney children will soon be learning in permanent classrooms.
"Our government is committed to fighting for students across NSW, so every child in the state can access a high quality education."
Major works started in the last 12 months:
- Birrong Boys High School - upgrade
- Birrong Girls High School - upgrade
- Carlingford West Public School - upgrade
- Castle Hill Public School - upgrade
- Cecil Hills High School - upgrade
- Cumberland High School - upgrade
- Darcy Road Public School - upgrade
- Empire Vale Public School - flood rebuild
- The Forest High School - school relocation
- Gledswood Hills Public School - Stage 2 of upgrade
- Gregory Hills Public School - new school
- Manly Village Public School - upgrade
- Matthew Pearce Public School - upgrade
- Melonba High School - new school
- Melonba Public School - new school
- Murwillumbah High School upgrade
- Narrabeen Sports High School - upgrade
- Narrabeen North Public School - upgrade
- Neutral Bay Public School - upgrade
- Oran Park Public School - upgrade
- St Ives High School - upgrade of indoor sports centre
- Wardell Public School - flood rebuild
- Yanco Agricultural High School - upgrade.
