MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Wednesday's Land and Environment Court of NSW decision to overturn development consent for the new Bungendore High School, due to an administrative error, is another disappointing step along a difficult path, says Steve Whan, Member for Monaro.

Steve Whan said "This has been a controversial location and opponents are entitled to express their opposition and take legal action. But we need to be clear that the court's decision was about failure of process not the merits of the plan.

"This is a debacle of the previous Liberal-National government's making. It is also a failure of legal preparation by the department to have not foreseen the requirement to get the Minister for Crown Lands to approve the use of land.

"Everyone agrees, we needed a purpose-built high school some time ago. We don't all agree on the site, but what we have seen is a year of delay with now more delays to follow.

"I have asked all the questions about how we got to this stage, and I have now seen an independent review of the site selection process. No site is perfect, but this one meets the student focussed criteria best. On that basis I expect the Department, consistent with the court decision, to seek a new approval from the planning minister to build on the proposed location. 

"The decision does not stop the project, but it does cause further delay, and understandably, that will prolong the frustration and anger in the community. 

"I do feel for the students and parents at the Bungendore High School, and I have been dismayed at the division this process has caused. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the new Bungendore High School as quickly as possible."