Steve Whan
Member for Monaro

MEDIA STATEMENT

Tuesday, 16 January 2024

The NSW Government is committed to delivering a new permanent high school for the Bungendore community as soon as possible.

In December 2023, the NSW Land and Environment Court issued a ruling that owners' consent from the Minister for Crown Lands should have been sought prior to lodging the planning application for the permanent high school in 2021.

The decision to overturn development consent was another disappointing step in this process beset by failures made under the former Liberal National government that have delated the building of this much needed school.

The former government's secrecy around its planning for the new school failed to meet the community's expectations, and I appreciate that School Infrastructure NSW has now apologised for its administrative error.

The court's decision was about an error of process and not the merits of the plan for the school.

Since the debacle presided over by the previous government, the Department of Education has been working through the approvals required to deliver the school in as timely a manner as possible. 

This includes working with the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI).

While there are no current plans to appeal the court's decision, the department has taken steps to reserve this option, which is standard legal process. 

The site selection process was subject to an independent review, and while the preferred site is not perfect, this location best meets the needs of local students. 

I expect the department will continue to work with DPHI to progress the statutory planning process for the new high school and will keep the community updated.