What’s behind the bi-partisan commitment for a Bungendore high school?

If you were unable to attend the ‘Meet the Candidates’ event in Wamboin on Tuesday 12 March, you may be interested in what the state election candidates had to say about the proposed Bungendore High School. The fact that a number of people in attendance asked questions shows that a high school for Bungendore is top of the election agenda for our community.

Both Nationals candidate John Barilaro and opposition Labor candidate Bryce Wilson restated their commitment to build a Bungendore High School within the next term of Government (i.e. by March 2023). The other candidates present supported this commitment. Neither John Barilaro nor Bryce Wilson mentioned a proposed actual opening year but acknowledged the community’s wish to see this happen in January 2022. Both candidates endeavoured, to ensure a high school was a priority for their respective parties, if in government, and indicated that $40 million would be included for the school build in the 2019/20 budget.

As the local state member, John Barilaro said he had consulted with Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) to identify four prospective sites for the school. He indicated that proposed sites would be included in the QPRC’s eminent Draft Structure Plan, expected to be released within the next month for public comment. Negotiations with landowners had yet to commence, but he committed to setting up a High School Consultative Committee ASAP to enable community input into the location. Mr. Barilaro also stated he would be open to considering the needs of the community in terms of what year(s) were offered when the school opens. However, he had to ensure this commitment was balanced against adequate numbers to enable a quality and as broad a curriculum as possible.

Bryce Wilson said he was hoping the school would offer at least years seven and eight on opening and that he would also consult with the community on what type of school would work best. Greens candidate Peter Marshall stated that (assuming he remains a local Councillor post-election) he would do all he could to ensure Council helps to get the school up and running as soon as possible.

Our take-home message from the candidates’ comments is clear – the community needs to remain active in having a say on what type of high school would work best, regardless of who forms Government after 23rd of March!

Thanks again to everyone in the community, who got involved and helped secure a bi-partisan commitment for a local high school. Please watch this space for when the successful candidate and the next NSW Government is announced – the Bungendore High School Action Group will be pushing for some quick action to get things moving. We ask you to keep engaged too!