The NSW Government is one step closer to delivering a new high school in Jordan Springs, with the community now able to have their say on the plans.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the school was placed on public exhibition on February 6 and will close on Wednesday, March 25.
The REF will assess potential environmental impacts from building a new public high school and the community is invited to view and provide feedback on the proposal.
To view the plans or make a submission, visit the NSW Planning Portal at http://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/part-5/new-high-school-jordan-springs.
The new high school will be located on the corner of Armoury Road and Infantry Street in Jordan Springs and is set to open on Day 1, Term 1 in 2027 with a capacity for 1,000 students.
It will have more than 50 classrooms, including three support learning rooms, 10 workshops for specialist subjects including science, visual arts and technology, a multipurpose hall, three sports courts and a playing field, library, canteen and a covered outdoor learning area.
Minister for Education and Member for Londonderry Prue Car shared her excitement as the plans for the high school move along.
“It is wonderful to see the plans for our new Jordan Springs High School as the Minns Labor Government continues to move ahead in delivering this vital project for our community,” Car said.
“Our community has waited far too long for its own high school, so the young families of Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing have certainty for their children’s futures.
“I invite our local Jordan Springs community to look at the plans for our new local high school, and have their say on what will soon become a fantastic asset for our community.”
The Jordan Springs-Llandilo area was identified as one of the top 10 student growth areas, with its student population having nearly doubled between 2018 to 2023, according to the Department of Education’s 2024 Enrolment Growth Audit.
In November last year, the State Government announced significant reform to fast-track the delivery of new and upgraded public schools by six to eight months, by cutting red tape in the planning system.
The new high school in Jordan Springs is the first new school project to through the streamlined approvals process, not requiring the lodging of a development application with the local council or Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure – a process that can take many months.
Thorough assessments of the environmental impact of projects will still be conducted, along with consultation with communities, councils and other stakeholders before construction can begin.
Planning determination for the new high school in Jordan Springs is expected in mid-2025.
A tender for construction of the school has been released to market, with contract award and start of construction also expected in mid-2025.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.