Page 1684 - Week 06 - Thursday, 3 June 2021
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New school builds to cater for growth in our community—Ministerial statement, 3 June 2021.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MS ORR (Yerrabi) (11.02): I rise to support the education improvements outlined in Minister Berry’s ministerial statement in regard to my electorate in particular. Gungahlin is a growing region and the number of families with school-age children is also growing. As stated by Minister Berry, education is extremely important, and it is something that the ACT government takes seriously. The government actively works to ensure that it meets the needs of the growing number of students across Canberra. Expansions to existing schools and funding allocations to build new schools around Yerrabi have already been very well received by young families and students alike.
The 2020-21 budget provided funding for additional school infrastructure in Gungahlin so that every local student can have access to a great public education. The funding will help to deliver a new high school in Kenny that will provide 800 places for students in year 7 to year 10 from the eastern side of Gungahlin. This new high school will feature a double gymnasium and multipurpose performing arts space that can also be used by the Gungahlin community.
Having new schools that not only accommodate growth in student numbers but also provide additional community facilities is greatly appreciated by students and the rest of Yerrabi. This approach to ensuring our schools have facilities available to the community helps to expand our education system. Not only do our schools provide fundamental education to students; they also become a community hub for others to enjoy these wonderful facilities.
Other schools in the area already host different sporting groups and community groups. Harrison School has netball courts which are always well utilised, and I know that the East Gungahlin Netball Club is looking forward to the possibility of extra space to train and play. The school will be open from the beginning of the 2023 school year, and I look forward to seeing its facilities in use.
The expansion of Margaret Hendry School will be greatly appreciated by Yerrabi residents. The expansion will allow an additional 600 students to attend. This is excellent news for those who are raising young families in Gungahlin. The ACT government is provisioning school spaces where they are needed. Those families with very young children can be assured that they can send their child to a publicly funded primary school within their local area. There is not much that is more important to the development of a region and its young families than well-funded, high-quality public education.
The expansion of the senior campus at Amaroo School is also a welcome development. This expansion will not only allow for an extra 200 students but also allow upgrades to the teaching facilities. The expansion will now make it possible for
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