Construction of a $41 million upgrade at Bomaderry High School is progressing ahead of schedule, with students set to benefit from a new school building three months earlier than planned as the Minns Labor Government continues to rebuild public education in NSW.
A new Technological and Applied Studies building will open on Day 1 Term 4 this year, and includes three new state-of-the-art classrooms as well as three new workshops for woodwork, metalwork, and food technology.
As well as the new building, other upgrades underway at Bomaderry High School include the refurbishment of 46 existing classrooms and the installation of a new vocational education kitchen.
Refurbishment works to two other buildings, including two new lifts improving accessibility, have already been completed and are being used by students.
The designs and business case for the upgrades were completed by the Minns Labor Government in early 2024, with the contract awarded in July last year.
The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools along the South Coast for over a decade, leaving regional communities without much-needed schools and teachers to work in them.
Despite the Liberals promising an upgrade of Bomaderry High School in 2021, like countless other schools they failed to deliver this upgrade. No contracts or plans were finalised and no work had been started on the site.
Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to rebuild school services across the Kiama electorate. We know there is still a lot more work to do, but in the past two years we have:
- Reduced teacher vacancies by 96 per cent, with schools in the Kiama electorate beginning Term 3 2025 with just one permanent teacher vacancy, down from 27 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal-National Government.
- Funded and planned a new primary school and public preschool in Calderwood, opening Day 1 Term 1 2028.
- Awarded the contract for a new public preschool to be built at Bomaderry Public School, part of the Minns Labor Government's 100 public preschools program.
- Delivered a new nature playground at Minnamurra Public School.
These upgrades are being delivered at part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to deliver better schools for NSW students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
This follows the government's delivery of more teachers. We have reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
"We're delivering more teachers in classrooms while also delivering world class schools right here in the Shoalhaven, so every kid has access to a world class education.
"Despite this project being promised by the former government in 2021, when we were elected not one shovel had been put in the ground, designs hadn't been finalised, and contracts hadn't been awarded.
"We know there is more work to be done but we are getting on with the job of delivering on the things that matter for the Kiama region.
"If the community elect Katelin on Saturday I know she will be an unrelenting advocate inside the Minns Labor Government ensuring her community, local schools and students get their fair share.
"As the son of a public-school teacher, I know schools are the lifeblood of regional communities, and we want teachers and students to have access to high quality schools no matter where they learn."
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"As a parent and former local student, Katelin understands the importance of our local public schools. Katelin is already advocating for how we can continue to rebuild public education for families along the South Coast.
"The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to building better communities, and investing in essential infrastructure including our public schools.
"A vote for Katelin tomorrow is a vote for a strong voice inside the Minns Labor Government, ensuring your children continue to learn in world class local public schools."
Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:
"I grew up in the Shoalhaven and am now raising my young family here so I understand the importance of making sure we provide local students with a high-quality public education.
"The Minns Labor Government has delivered for Kiama since forming government, but I know there is more work to do.
"I will make sure that we continue to deliver the critical infrastructure and services that our community needs and relies on."
Bomaderry High School Principal Ian Morris said:
"The new building will provide a modern, well-equipped environment where students can develop practical skills and prepare for future study, training and careers.
"It's exciting to see this level of support for regional education, and our school community looks forward to the building opening at the beginning of Term 4."
