A new public school promised by the Minns Labor Government for families in West Dapto will open for 600 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2029 after funding for its delivery was confirmed as part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure over four years in the 2025-26 Budget.
The school, a 2023 Labor election commitment, will serve the growing West Dapto suburbs around Wongawilli and Stream Hill, with the site to be confirmed later this year.
It is one of three new schools in the Illawarra and South Coast with new funding confirmed as part of the Budget being handed down on 24 June.
This record school infrastructure funding will go towards the delivery of a pipeline of new and upgraded schools, including six major upgrades for schools in South Coast communities that were neglected by the Liberals and Nationals for over a decade.
The Budget also includes funding to continue planning work for a future new high school at Flinders.
The Minns Labor Government's investment in schools across the Illawarra and South Coast since coming to government includes:
- Calderwood - new public school and preschool
- South Nowra/Worrigee - new public school and preschool
- West Dapto - new public school and preschool
- Bomaderry High School - upgrade
- Milton Public School - upgrade
- Nowra East Public School - upgrade
- Ulladulla Public School - upgrade
- Ulladulla High School - upgrade
- Vincentia High School - upgrade
- Dapto High School - new covered outdoor learning area (COLA)
- Minnamurra Public School - new nature playground
- Former Shoalhaven Anglican School site - redevelopment for public education use
In addition to these new and upgraded public schools, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new public preschools at existing public schools at Cringila, Lake Heights, Berkeley West, Hayes Park, Lake Illawarra, Barrack Heights, Bomaderry, Greenwell Point, and Sanctuary Point, as part of its commitment to open 100 new public preschools by 2027.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to rebuild public education across NSW, by funding and delivering new and upgraded schools where they are needed to ensure all students have access to a world class public education.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:
"Planning for a much-needed public school for West Dapto was a key Labor election commitment, and we delivering on that promise today with confirmation this school will be open Day 1, Term 1, 2029.
"The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, has invested record funding to build new and upgraded schools across growing parts of NSW that were neglected for too long under the Liberals and Nationals.
"We have delivered a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget, continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW.
"We look forward to keeping families in the Illawarra and South Coast updated as these projects continue to roll out."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"The Illawarra and South Coast community is continuing to grow, and it is wonderful to be part of the Minns Labor Government, that is investing to improve the lives of young working families in this region.
"This investment in public school and preschool infrastructure will benefit our community for generations and I cannot wait to see it delivered for local families."
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:
"I am thrilled that the Minns Labor Government will build a new public primary school in our community, delivering a much-needed new school for the families of West Dapto.
"Our Government is committed to delivering for young families and making sure every child can access a high-quality public school in their local area."
