‘Not asking for gold-plated guttering’: Mayor’s plea to double school infrastructure at Box Hill

Sydney’s fastest-growing suburb needs double the number of schools it’s been promised, the Hills Shire Mayor says, labelling the state government’s ‘pop-up’ schools a “Band-Aid”.

The Katyal family in Box Hill are one of many dissatisfied with their community’s infrastructure shortfall. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sydney’s fastest-growing suburb needs double the number of schools it’s been promised, with the local mayor labelling the state government’s ‘pop-up’ schools a “Band-Aid”.

Hill Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne has appealed to the NSW government to build at least three primary schools and one Kindergarten to Year 12 school in Box Hill, where the population is projected to rise from 28,000 to 50,000 residents over the next decade.

The suburb currently has only one fully operational school – Santa Sophia Catholic College, where waitlists are years long for some grades – while the temporary public school will extend enrolments to Years 3 to 6 next term.

Mayor Byrne said with nearly half of the Hills’ public schools above their enrolment caps, more investment is needed urgently.

“What’s been announced by the government recently – with fast tracking Box Hill High and upgrading Rouse Hill High as well – we welcome this, this is great, but it’s just a Band-Aid solution to a much bigger problem that’s about to explode,” she said.

The Box Hill Public School ‘pop-up’ was built in 45 days. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“We are being reasonable in our requests as well – we’re not being crazy and asking for gold-plated guttering.”

It comes after School Infrastructure NSW’s decision to dump one of their property purchases on Terry Road, which is now set to be rezoned for up 121 new homes despite the council’s opposition.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne. Picture: Supplied

While the government’s decision to stand up temporary schools at Box Hill has brought relief for many parents and has been widely supported, including by Mayor Byrne, other parents fear the ‘pop-ups’ are inadequately resourced.

Mum of two Megha Katyal is currently travelling two hours each day to take her eldest child, 10-year-old Aaryan, to Rouse Hill Public School, with the boy having been on the waitlist for Santa Sophia Catholic College in Gables for the last four years.

Her youngest, 4-year-old Aaryana, will start Kindy at Santa Sophia next year.

“When it (the temporary school) opened they had a big wishlist – we donated kettles, dustbins and toasters,” Mrs Katyal, who fundraises for the local Lions Club, said.

Megha Katyal with son Aaryan Katyal and daughter Aaryana Katyal at home in Box Hill today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“How can I say that my child would get a good education when they don’t have the basics?

“As a parent, it doesn’t satisfy me. I’d rather spend a bit of extra money.”

Deputy Premier and Education Minister said her government is already delivering seven new or upgraded schools in the Hills Shire, providing space for 5,500 more students.

“It is disappointing that Mayor Byrne was silent when the former Liberal National government failed to deliver desperately needed schools for those rapidly growing suburbs, but is now spending ratepayers’ money on a campaign to attack a government that is actually building schools for her community,” she said.

The Catholic sector is “very much open” to building another school in the area, meanwhile, a spokesman for the Parramatta diocese said.

Megha is worried not only about the area’s lack of schools, but also its lack of leisure facilities and congested roads. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese has additional land holdings in Box Hill and a strong commitment to continued investment in new schooling infrastructure in the region,” she said.

“We are very much open to the concept of building a new school in this area.”

Mayor Byrne fears if school infrastructure and other community facilities like sports fields continue to lag behind housing, Box Hill will become an increasingly unattractive place to raise a family.

“Box Hill has the potential to be a wonderful suburb, high liveability, and a great place to be, but right now I’ve got residents saying to me ‘if we could move out, we would … we don’t want to be here anymore’.”