Released 24/08/2020
The ACT Government continues to invest in Canberra’s future by building on its election commitment to build new public schools and expand schools in areas of growth. The ACT Government will build a new public high school in Kenny and expand Amaroo School, as well as provide additional transportable classrooms for schools across Canberra.
The number of Canberra public school students continues to grow by about three per cent each year as population grows and as more families are choosing public education. Gungahlin also continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
That’s why the ACT Government is investing more than $12 million to expand the permanent capacity of Amaroo School’s senior campus by an additional 200 places, increasing the total capacity of the P-10 school to 2319.
The expansion will provide new general and specialist learning areas for year 7 to 10 students, a refurbishment to existing science and technology buildings and a covered walkway to the library. These additional facilities will be ready for the start of the 2022 school year.
The ACT Government has also committed to deliver a new high school for Gungahlin and invested $72.5 million in the 2019-20 Budget to deliver a new year 7 to 10 high school in the suburb of Kenny in East Gungahlin.
Following a tender process the government has selected local architectural consultants Clarke Keller to undertake the master plan and feasibility design for the new school, which will open by the 2023 school year. Expression of Interest for the construction of the school will be open in early September, with works onsite anticipated to commence in 2021.
This school will cater for 800 students from years 7 to 10 with room for temporary expansion to accommodate additional if required.
The school will provide high quality general and specialist learning environments, incorporating both indoor and outdoor learning areas, as well as integrated spaces to support students with specialised needs. Consistent with the government’s commitment to take action on climate change, the schools buildings will also be carbon neutral in their operation and include approximately 100kw of solar power generation.
As the city grows, the government is growing our high quality public education system with it. The government continues to plan strategically for student growth across Canberra, not only in new suburbs but also urban infill areas like the inner north, Belconnen and South Canberra.
The ACT Government is also investing over $17 million over the coming year in flexible, high quality transportable classrooms to meet the increased demand across Canberra.
This investment will increase capacity in public schools across the city by 750 places to meet the projected enrolment growth and support student enrolments for the 2021 school year.
Transportable learning spaces today are open, spacious, comfortable and exciting learning environments. They are modern, fully insulated, and designed to meet current energy targets, with all the same comforts and IT infrastructure as a permanent learning space. As well as looking great on the inside, they are located to blend into the overall design and landscaping of a school.
This investment will be part of the ACT’s Jobs and Recovery Plan, rebuilding our local economy from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting local jobs.
The ACT Government has allocated over $400 million over the next four years to continue building new schools, expanding schools, and upgrading schools across the ACT.
The ACT Government is committed to ensuring every child can attend their local public school and receive a great education. The ongoing investment in schools forms a key part of this government’s ongoing work in delivering the services Canberrans need not only today or tomorrow but in years to come.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|