Worrigee school plans sparks debate between residents and government

Plans for a new preschool and primary school in Worrigee has sparked a lively conversation between residents. See what they are saying here.

The proposed location for the new schools is next to Shoalhaven High School. Picture: Google Maps.

Residents in a small south coast town have expressed mixed reactions to the construction of a new primary school and preschool.

Worrigee, in South Nowra, houses multiple preschools and one primary school, with the state government planning to build a new one of each next to Shoalhaven High School.

Construction of the new schools currently remains in a planning phase.

The prospect of the new facilities sparked a lively conversation from residents in the town.

While some think it’s good idea, others say the small area has enough preschools.

“Worrigee has come a long way and grown a lot recently,” Helen Quigley, a Worrigee resident said.

“There’s already about four preschools here, so I’m not sure if more preschools are needed.”

While the small area houses a number of preschools, Nowra Christian School is the only primary school.

Velma Jessress, a senior living in Worrigee, said the lack of primary schools proved problematic for her children.

“There definitely is a need for a new primary school in Worrigee,” she said.

“The children in Worrigee only have one primary school and if the parents don’t want a religious education for their kids, they need to send them to one in Falls Creek or more centre Nowra.”

Mrs Quigley agreed, stating the state government should spend “the money used for the preschool on more primary schools”.

“We have enough preschools,” she said.

Chris Minns said Labor will be the schools if they are elected in March. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

“Use the preschool funding on more than one new primary school because we need more.”

Both Mrs Quigley and Mrs Jessress agreed the proposed location is perfect.

“It’ll be great having your child go to preschool, then primary school and high school all in the same street,” Mrs Jessress said.

The new schools were promised by the NSW government four years ago. However, with no construction started, NSW Labor has began asking questions and promised build it themselves if they’re elected.

NSW Opposition Leader, Chris Minns said Labor would build the facilities next to Shoalhaven High School under the party’s commitment to build 100 public preschools in their first term.

“We know how fast South Nowra and Worrigee are growing but the infrastructure is not keeping up,” he said.

“My fear is that young families are moving into these areas on the promise of new schools that just aren’t being delivered.”

Labor candidate for the South Coast, Liza Butler agreed, saying families in the area “deserve better”, with there being no construction started and no timeline for completion.

Liberal South Coast candidate Luke Sikora, said building schools is a long process. Picture: Tom McGann.

“This is one of the fastest growing suburban areas in this electorate attracting young families who need a primary school within reach,” she said.

NSW Labor claim their Worrigee preschool will cater up to 50 children, but have not mentioned the primary school size.

The NSW Liberal government said the new preschool and primary school were “fully funded and in the early planning stages”.

“We have a proud track record of delivery and will continue to deliver for the South Coast,” NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said.

Liberal candidate for the South Coast, Luke Sikora said building a school of any kind was a long process.

“The South Nowra/Worrigee new primary school project was announced in the 2019 election, funding for early planning was secured in the 2019/20 budget with funding for construction allocated in the 2021/22 budget,” he said.

“The department of Education has been working closely with local stakeholders including school leadership, representative of the AEGG and the local Aboriginal community to progress plans for the new school.”

While both sides of the political aisle fight over the construction of the schools, Mrs Jessress has one piece of advice for both parties: “Just build it. Stop arguing and build it. We need it.”