NSW Schools facelift: $500m plan to upgrade 250 schools across the state

The NSW Government has revealed a $500 million plan to upgrade 250 schools across NSW. SEE THE FULL LIST OF SCHOOL UPGRADES HERE.

Hundreds of schools across the state are set to benefit from a half-a-billion dollar scheme by the NSW Government — expected to see new playgrounds, science facilities, security upgrades and canteens given facelifts in over 250 schools.

More than 250 schools will see upgrades.

The $484 million Minor Capital Works program plans to upgrade and renew hundreds of facilities and security measures — as NewsLocal can reveal the schools set to benefit from the cash-splash.

NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams-Pool/Getty Images)

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the program would provide much-needed jobs and “be a boost for businesses as NSW exits lockdown”, with $76 million going directly to local businesses through the tender process.

“These school improvement projects can have an incredible impact on the look and feel of our

schools and through this government’s investment in programs such as this as well as Cooler

Classrooms, LED Lighting Upgrade, Regional and Metro Renewal and Roof Replacement,

schools right across NSW are experiencing the benefits,” she said.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said more than half the schools to benefit are in regional and rural communities across the state.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro during the COVID-19 update in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

“This investment will also provide a welcome boost for regional economies, by creating jobs

and providing work for local tradespeople at a time when it is needed most.”

Other projects funded as part of the program include an admin and staff upgrade at Dee Why Public School, a toilet upgrade at Millfield Public School, a science lab upgrade at Deniliquin High School and an integration project of access works at Heathcote High School.

New classroom facilities will be included in the program. (AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo)

Parents and Citizens Federation president Natalie Walker said the network of P & C representatives welcomed the half-a-billion-dolar investment.

“This investment in schools is an investment in our children,” she said. “It is also wonderful to see the investment in regional and rural areas.

“There are so many different projects that schools have that are unique to their community, so this scheme will provide so many benefits for our school communities.”

Ms Walker said she hoped to see a “continued investment in established and long serving schools”.