Construction has begun on Moruya High School's brand new $7 million support unit, while another $13 million in upgrades is on the way for the school as part of the Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild public education and ensure students in regional NSW have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The new support unit will contain seven permanent support classrooms with practical activities areas, breakout spaces, an outdoor play area, a covered outdoor learning area (COLA), accessible toilet and change rooms, laundry, kitchen, and staff room and a new access road with undercover drop-off area and car-parking facilities for the precinct.
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland turned the first sod to mark the start of construction on the project, which is due for completion by Term 2 next year, replacing five demountables.
The new support unit will benefit and better support students with disabilities, ensuring all students have access to the same educational opportunities.
Moruya High School is also one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the NSW Government as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) partner schools program.
Under the program, Moruya High School will receive facility upgrades to accommodate increased enrolments, broaden educational opportunities and facilitate the delivery of tailored HPGE course offerings. The work will include:
- Upgrades to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classrooms, Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) classrooms and music room, performance area and sound studio.
- Sports court upgrade including new court surface, fencing and line marking
- Updating the science lab, library and administration buildings.
- Installing air conditioning across the school.
- Improvements to senior lockers, a new covered walkway and automated front gate.
These upgrades will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities that promise to challenge all students to achieve their full potential.
In addition to the new support unit and HPGE upgrades at Moruya High School, families in the Bega area can look forward to improved public schools under the Minns Labor Government, including HPGE upgrades at Batemans Bay High School and a new school hall for Mogo Public School.
This work is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to rebuild public education, with a record $2.1 billion in the 2025-26 Budget for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"This much-needed support unit is a major investment in the future of public education for families in Moruya and provides local students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering vital school upgrades our students need to thrive, whether through modern support classrooms or specialist facilities to deliver High Potential and Gifted opportunities. These upgrades are all about ensuring local students have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
"Moruya High School is one of 33 schools across the state to benefit from our HPGE program delivering upgrades to facilitate high potential and gifted education opportunities in every public school."
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:
"I am delighted to see construction underway on the $7 million fit-for-purpose support unit at Moruya High School. This project represents a major investment in our community and a vital upgrade to support students with disabilities and additional needs.
"The new facility will replace five ageing demountables with a modern, purpose-built precinct featuring seven permanent classrooms, practical learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and improved accessibility. This will provide students with the safe and supportive environment they deserve.
"Every student should have the same opportunity to reach their potential. This support unit will not only enhance learning but also ensure that families in Moruya and across the region know their children are being given the best chance to thrive."
Principal Moruya High School Mark English said:
"I am very excited to get this wonderful purpose-built facility that will provide outstanding opportunities for our staff to meet the needs of our students in a support setting.
"Building this support unit will provide equity for our students so they can prosper and grow to be the best they can be.
"I am thrilled to get the HPGE funding to upgrade our facilities to support our HPGE initiatives at Moruya High School. All of our students will have access to world class performance facilities and learning spaces so they can learn and develop in all domains of HPGE."
