A school in Dural could be built on land owned by the Department of Education in the future

A NEW school could be built in Dural following revelations that the Department of Education owns a significant parcel of land in the area.

A South Dural development artists impression.

A new school could be built in Dural on land the Department of Education owns, but only after it assesses “long-term demand” created by recent and future developments, including at South Dural.

The Department of Education confirmed it owns 7.6 hectares of land at Derriwong Rd in Dural, which is held for the “possible provision of educational infrastructure” in the future.

A spokesman for the Department said it is “currently reviewing a planning proposal for the development in South Dural” and “expects to lodge a submission” to Hornsby Council as part of the process.

Residents’ Infrastructure and Planning Alliance spokeswoman Jacqui Goddard said schools in the area will not cope if 9000 new residents move in to South Dural.

“Local schools such as Dural Public School, John Purchase Public School, Galston High School, and Cherrybrook Technology High School will have to find room for thousands of extra students, when most are already at or near capacity,” Ms Goddard said.

The South Dural development proposal area from above.

Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean said rezoning of land at South Dural for urban release will be subject to an independent review by consultants engaged by Hornsby Council.

“The NSW Government has made it clear that any infrastructure requirements be delivered at no additional cost to Government,” Mr Kean said. “There will be extensive community consultation as part of this process. I would encourage all interested residents to have their say by attending a community drop in session or writing to the Mayor.”

A South Dural development artists impression.

South Dural proponent, Folkestone-Lyon, said the Education Department’s initial response to their plan was that there is no need for another school in the area despite the increased population density 2900 dwellings would bring.

“Folkestone-Lyon can only provision land to education providers if they require it; we are open to the needs of the Education Department whatever they decide,” he said.