An Austral school has received planning approval for a massive upgrade that will transform it from a 300 student primary school into a mega educational centre of more than 2,000 students from kindergarten through to Year 12.
The redevelopment of St Anthony of Padua Catholic College, located in Eleventh Avenue, will result in expanded educational opportunites for families living in Austral, Leppington and beyond.
Local state MP Peter Sidgreaves welcomed the green light to the upgrade.
“In addition to new school buildings, the redevelopment will include a trade training centre, a childcare centre, church, indoor recreation centre, and plenty of outdoor spaces including a soccer field, outdoor playing courts, outdoor learning areas and market gardens,” said the member for Camden.
“The upgraded school will have places for 2,280 primary and secondary students and 200 trade centre students, jobs for 200 staff and 125 childcare places.
“This redevelopment will also create 139 construction jobs and inject $153 million into the local economy, while providing a high quality learning environment for students of all ages.”
Planning and public spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the redevelopment was one of six education projects approved through the NSW Government’s planning system acceleration program.
“Not only are we creating new jobs and supporting NSW’s economic recovery as we deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are providing new and upgraded first-class education facilities where they are needed right across the state,” Mr Stokes said.
“With new libraries, school halls, canteens and indoor and outdoor play areas, these developments will create high quality learning environments for students at all stages of their education journey – from kindergarten through to university.”
Education and early childhood learning minister Sarah Mitchell said the redevelopment will benefit students and the community for generations to come.
“This will be a great asset for [South] Western Sydney and a wonderful example of how the NSW Government is providing the education infrastructure needed to meet the needs of growing communities,” Mrs Mitchell said.
