Fifteen schools in the northern suburbs are set to receive almost $3.5M in the State Government’s Regional Renewal Program for substantial upgrades.
These projects will include playground and oval upgrades, new canteens, new toilet facilities, covered outdoor play spaces and walkways.
Each project is expected to be completed within the next 18 months and priority will be given to local construction companies, suppliers and workers, to support the local economy through the Covid economic recovery.
At Wyong, the high school will get $541,054 and at the primary school there will be a new covered outdoor learning area and shaded walkways to cost $260,000.
Wyong Creek Public School has been granted $90,000 for a carpark and transport area upgrade.
Gorokan schools will receive a total of $680,000, with an upgrade to the primary school’s learning unit at $180,000 and the high school will get a $500,000 boost for improvements to its hall, MPC, gym and communal space.
Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College will receive a total of $860,000 for covered outdoor learning areas, shade structures and walkways at the Tumbi Umbi campus ($380,000), The Entrance Campus ($340,000) and Berkeley Vale ($140,000).
Sporting facilities at Ourimbah Public School will be improved with a $400,000 grant.
Toilet facilities will be upgraded at Bateau Bay Public School ($140,000), Brooke Avenue Public School at Killarney Vale ($120,000), Chittaway Bay Public School ($100,000) and Blue Haven Public School ($50,000).
Tuggerah Public School is set to receive $120,000 for a learning unit.
There will be $81,082 improvements to the canteen at Jilliby Public School.
In total the schools in the northern suburbs will be receiving $3,442,136 in funding.
The Regional Renewal Program across the entire Central Coast encompasses 36 schools at a total $7,107,744 funding.
On announcing the successful grants, Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said he was delighted that so many local schools took up the opportunity to apply for funding to ensure the region received it fair share.
“This investment by the NSW Government is all about ensuring that students can thrive in a fantastic learning environment, no matter which school they attend or what their circumstances might be,” he said.
President of the Central Coast Council of P&Cs, Sharryn Brownlee, said that the funding was great news for schools and their communities after a tough year managing the complex COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s wonderful to see such a substantial amount of money being invested in schools in the region and this much needed expenditure will help to ensure that students have the facilities for the best learning environment possible,” Brownlee said.
Sue Murray