Premier’s $1.2b pledge to build new schools

A one billion dollar pledge to upgrade and open a swath of new public schools, focusing on Western and south west Sydney, has been unveiled by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

The $1.2bn fund would boost would cover major upgrades in Winston Hills Primary, Clovelly Primary and build new high schools in the southwest Sydney and Jordan Springs.

“When you listen to the families in western and southwest Sydney, (they) know education is the key that unlocks unlimited opportunity,” the Premier told party faithfuls on Sunday at the official Liberal campaign launch.

Mr Perrottet also hit out at the former Labor government for closing nine schools, while they were in government from 1995 to 2011.

“We have built and upgraded more than that number,” he said.

“Our long-term economic plan has seen the biggest investment in NSW public schools in our history, with more than 150 new and upgraded schools delivered in the last four years alone.”

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the school upgrades would range from superficial updates, or major infrastructure.

The extra $1.2b in funding brings the Coalition’s total spend on public education infrastructure to $19b.

Mr Perrottet also promised to build a new multimillion-dollar selective school in Sydney’s northwest, in what he said was a win for “aspirational families of our growing West”.

The 1000-student campus was announced will be funded through the government’s $5 billion WestInvest Fund.

“We know that there is strong demand for selective high school places, especially across the fast growing Western Sydney region,” he said.

“That is why we’re committing a record $2 billion to provide greater opportunity for high-achieving kids, including a new selective high school in Box Hill that will cater to 1,000 students.

The Box Hill campus is the third new selective school announced by the government, with additional infrastructure to be build in Westmead and Leppington. The academically-geared public schools require children to take a statewide entrance test in Year 6 and are considered to promote gifted and talented students.

The new school was announced in addition to a further $1.2b funding pledge to open and upgrade new schools across the state, which was announced by Mr Perrottet.

The Premier also shared a major election pitch to give all NSW children a Future Fund trust, they can only access once turning 18, for housing and education purposes.

The accounts will receive an initial $400 fund from the government, with the state also set to match family contributions of up to $400 a year.