Marsden Park High School: Site revealed by State Government

The location of a promised high school in a booming Sydney suburb has been revealed. It comes following a rally by frustrated residents at the weekend.

The site of a new high school in Sydney’s booming north west has been revealed following mounting pressure from residents at a weekend rally.

The NSW Government on Tuesday announced the promised Marsden Park high school would be located on Elara Boulevard and Kaluta Ave in Newpark estate.

Riverstone state Liberal MP Kevin Conolly said a commitment had been made to commence planning for the new high school this term.

However, Londonderry state Labor MP Prue Car has slammed the announcement as old news.

“...We’ve woken up to this news that the government have tried to reannounce the site of the school,” Ms Car said in a video published on Wednesday.

“How stupid do they think we are? Locals know where this site is in Newpark.

“They’re telling me they’re driving past it everyday, watching it gather dust becasue there is no high school there.

“We need the government to just commit to some money and a time frame.”

Riverstone state Liberal MP Kevin Conolly. Picture: Supplied

Londonderry state Labor MP Prue Car. Picture: Supplied

Residents and Ms Car held a day of action on Saturday to “pressure the NSW Government to honour their commitment” in building the proposed school.

Last year, the state opposition raised questions over the funding for the school, which was promised by the state government a few weeks prior to the 2019 State Election.

Following last year’s state budget, Ms Car called on the government to announce a budget and construction timeline for the project.

Speaking to the Advocate in November, Mr Conolly said a greenfield site off Elara Blvd had been earmarked for the project and funding for the school had been included in the recent budget as part of minor capital works.

On Tuesday Mr Conolly said: “The NSW Liberals and Nationals made a commitment to the community of Marsden Park that we would commence planning for the new high school in this term and I am pleased that we can confirm its location today.

Londonderry state Labor MP Prue Car and residents rally for construction to begin on the proposed Marsden Park High School. Picture: Supplied

“We know this is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and I am proud that this government is continuing to invest in new and upgraded schools.”

A petition organised by Ms Car to build the high school has so far been signed by almost 1600 people.

“The NSW Liberal Government has provided no timeline or budget for the high school,” she said.

“Northbourne Public School in Marsden Park already has more than 800 students, yet there is still no local high school for those students to attend.

A site for the new high school off Elara Blvd has been officially revealed by the State Government. Picture: Monique Harmer

“It’s past time the delays were ended and this promise was honoured.

“(Premier) Gladys Berejiklian must stop delaying the promised high school and build it now.”

State education minister Sarah Mitchell said the government would liaise with the community in the planning of the facility.

“I am thrilled that plans are progressing for the new high school and I’m looking forward to hearing from the community about their thoughts and ideas for the new school,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Feedback will be important to ensure we deliver a unique new school with modern facilities that are designed specifically for the needs of this community.”

Community consultation is expected to take place as the project goes through design, development and preparation of planning documentation.