Gungahlin students will benefit from a new high school in Kenny which will open for students in 2023 after the approval of the development proposal today.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman 'called in' the development application to help deliver the critical public education facility for Kenny and the wider Gungahlin community.
"We're seeing substantial growth in the Gungahlin area, and our planning tells us there will be a strong demand for local high school places. This project will give up to 800 students access to a great ACT public school close to home," Minister Gentleman said.
"I want to ensure the development of Kenny High School stays on schedule, so students have access to these new and state-of-the-art educational facilities as soon as possible."
"I have carefully considered the feedback that was received during the public notification period, and I have placed strict conditions on the development including compliance requirements for utility service providers and additional measures for protecting the ecological values of the adjacent reserve.
"I've also approved upgrades to Well Station Drive to facilitate access to the school, through the provision of two new signalised intersections, a new shared path and new bus bays."
ACT Minister for Education and Youth Affairs Yvette Berry welcomed the news that the development of the high school has been approved and confirmed construction will commence later this year.
"As well as providing for the educational needs of our young people, our schools are also important hubs for the local community and provide facilities for many of our local clubs and groups. The high school in Kenny will have facilities for the community to use outside of school hours, including a double gym, covered courts suitable for basketball and netball, and oval," Minister Berry said.
"The call in gives us the best possible chance of having the school ready for the start of the 2023 year."
