Rob Stokes: Education splurge “just getting started”

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes says the Liberal Government’s education splurge is “just getting started” in the Camden area, following criticism the schools aren’t coping.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes says the Liberal Government’s education splurge is “just getting started”.

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NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes says the Liberal Government’s education splurge is “just getting started” in the Camden area, following criticism the schools aren’t coping.

Mr Stokes, while yesterday visiting the Gledswood Hills primary school, currently under construction, dismissed recent criticism by Camden state Labor candidate Sally Quinnell and said he would focus on the job.

“Locals have only just seen the beginning,” he said. “(Mrs Quinnell) would say that (the school’s aren’t coping) wouldn’t she. We are just dealing with the job at hand.

“A huge number of schools are being developed across the region and they are being developed as the housing comes online.”

Camden state Liberal candidate Peter Sidgreaves and Camden Liberal MP Chris Patterson at the site of Gledswood Hills Primary School. Picture: Daniel McGookin

Camden state Liberal candidate Peter Sidgreaves said, if elected, he would advocate for school infrastructure to be delivered at a faster rate.

“Ideally, we probably need more of these schools sooner rather than later but I think given we are spending more money on education in Camden than any other electorate, we are doing a good job,” he said.

Oran Park Public School has about 1500 students enrolled for 2019, and more than 270 kindergarten students.

With Oran Park Public School at more than double capacity after opening in 2014, Mr Sidgreaves conceded improvements could be made.

“I think there can always be improvement in regards to planning,” he said.

“I think the school (in Oran Park), as the principal has said, has been coping. I don’t think demountables make it a poor school. As schools are delivered in other areas, I think the pressure will be relieved.”

Camden Labor candidate Sally Quinnell says the area’s schools aren’t coping. Picture: Jordan Shields

Mr Stokes said there would be a “surplus capacity” at Oran Park Public School once all the schools in the area are delivered.

“The overall plan is to share the load, to increase (the school’s capacity) but to provide neighbouring schools as well.”

Since 2011, the Liberal Government has delivered Spring Farm Public School, Oran Park Public School and this year Yandelora School.

Works or planning is currently under way for Oran Park High School and primary schools in Gledswood Hills, Leppington (Willowdale estate) and Gregory Hills.