Revised timeline for Bungendore High School construction promised following 'administrative error'

The NSW Government is determined to continue building Bungendore High School at its current site, despite the Land and Environment Court ruling that the current project’s development consent was “invalid” after the wrong ministers were asked to approve the project.

An update from School Infrastructure NSW stated the Department of Education was working to correct the “error of process”.

“We expect this will be completed shortly, enabling work to begin on the permanent school as soon as possible,” a statement read.

“The Land and Environment Court issued a ruling that owner’s consent from the Minister for Crown Lands should have been sought prior to lodging the planning application in 2021.

“School Infrastructure NSW acknowledges this administrative error and sincerely apologises to the community for the delay this has caused.”

Its statement insisted the Majara/Gibraltar Streets Precinct was the most suitable site and remained the preferred location.

“The department has not identified a suitable alternative site for the new high school. If an alternative site had been identified, the process to acquire land, design a school and go through the state significant development application process on an alternative site would delay the project by several years, leaving students in temporary facilities indefinitely,” it said.

“The department remains committed to delivering the new school at its permanent location as soon as possible, which will deliver world-class learning facilities for the current and future students of Bungendore High School.”

It also insisted the master plan for the school would be able to accommodate projected enrolments to 2036 as the core buildings will be able to take more than 660 students.

“Possible future expansion, if required, has been masterplanned within the current Majara/Gibraltar Streets Precinct site acquired for the school,” School Infrastructure said.

“Any future expansion will not impact Mick Sherd Oval.”

School Infrastructure promised to inform the community about a revised timeline for the permanent build in the new year.

Monaro MP Steve Whan has previously expressed his frustrations with the project, blaming the previous NSW Government for its “failure [to] get the process right”.

“This is a debacle of the previous Liberal-National government’s making,” he said.

“It is also a failure of legal preparation by the department to have not foreseen the requirement to get the Minister for Crown Lands to approve the use of the land … School Infrastructure NSW should have anticipated this decision.”

An independent review of the site selection has been carried out by the government, which Mr Whan said showed it met the “student focused” criteria best.

He said while not everyone in the community agreed on the site chosen for the high school, he was disappointed this would result in even more delays.

“This decision does not stop the project, but it does cause further delay, and that will prolong the frustration and anger in the community,” Mr Whan said.

“We are committed to build this school without further unnecessary delay.”

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council opposed the Bungendore Park site for the high school in 2021, and Mayor Kenrick Winchester said it could continue to do so.

“Council will not make any comments on the legal matter … It is up to the NSW Department of Education as to how they will proceed with delivering a high school for Bungendore,” he said.

The Education Department compulsorily acquired the land – the former council administration offices and community centre, as well as the top section of Bungendore Park – on 26 April 2022.

Bungendore Pool has been leased back to council and will be open for the 2023/24 swimming season.

The permanent Bungendore High School is expected to be able to accommodate 450 students and will include a library, multi-purpose hall, canteen, sports courts and an agricultural plot.

Bungendore Public School will also receive upgrades as part of the project, including new teaching spaces, upgrades to the existing playing field and a new amenities block.

High school students have been learning in temporary facilities at Bungendore Public School this year, which was able to accommodate up to 180 students.

It had 91 students for the 2023 school year, with three extra classrooms added for 2024.

It is taking children in years 7, 8 and 9 next year.

An update on the school’s Facebook page also said more facilities could be added in 2025 for additional students if needed.

Region reached out to Education Minister Prue Car and Planning Minister Paul Scully for comment.