Eagle Vale High will be converted into a sports school under a state Labor Government.
Opposition leader Chris Minns says the move would give budding sports stars in the growing South Western Sydney region the opportunity to hone their talent without having to travel long distances.
Currently, the closest sports high school to the Macarthur area is Westfields Sports High in Fairfield.
One-way public transport travel times range from one hour and 36 minutes from Campbelltown to two hours and 25 minutes from Camden.
Some parts of Wollondilly do not have public transport options to Westfield Sports High.
A sports high school at Eagle Vale would ensure students from the entire Macarthur region would have public transport access to the school within one hour.
The upgrade will involve a new multi-purpose hall, outdoor synthetic pitch, sports oval improvements and changing room upgrades.
This will enable the school to run the talented sports program (TSP) which is designed to cater for students who excel in sport.
“We want children in South Western Sydney to have the best opportunities for success – whether that’s in academic fields, creative pursuits, or on a sports field,” Mr Minns said.
“Sport is such a big part of our culture it’s important that no matter where you live you have the same opportunities and access to excel.
“A new sports high school means kids from south west and Western Sydney get an opportunity to fulfil their sports dreams.”
The announcement by Mr Minns has been welcomed by members of his Labor team in South Western Sydney.
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said families in South Western Sydney should not have to travel hours just to get the same opportunities as others.
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong pointed out that the Macarthur region has produced exceptional athletes including the like of league superstar James Tedesco.
“By creating a new sports school at Eagle Vale we will see the next generation of sporting talent develop through this region,” he said.
Labor candidate for Leppington Nathan Hagarty noted that with Macarthur FC Bulls and the Wests Tigers playing in elite competitions, children in South Western Sydney are aspiring to be like the sports heroes they see every weekend.
Labor candidate for Camden Sally Quinnell said that as well as a sports high school, a Labor Government would build new high schools in Gledswood Hills and Gregory Hills.
