More kids will be heading to Wellsvale Drive for their schooling. Photo: Queanbeyan South Public School P&C.
A nine-hectare block will be looking a little different soon, as its transformation begins so it can host Queanbeyan’s newest preschool.
Shovels and other equipment have started construction work on the preschool, which will be co-located with the Queanbeyan South Public School.
When completed, the preschool will offer a high-quality, play-based early learning program and support for children moving into kindergarten.
In July, the NSW Government announced Zauner Construction Pty Ltd had come on board as the contractor.
In addition to state-of-the-art learning areas, the new preschool will include a range of facilities for staff and students.
The September 2025 project update from School Infrastructure NSW (the latest available) states that it will have two preschool rooms, an outside play area, an administration area, amenities, a staff kitchen and storage space.
It is being designed by Pedavoli Architects, though School Infrastructure NSW warns there may be some changes as the planning process continues.
“We have been working with the construction contractor to finalise the design of the new preschool and have started developing a construction program for the project,” the October update says.
Queanbeyan South Public School principal Kelly Broomham said the new preschool would help set the town’s littlest learners up for success.
“This public preschool development is significant for families throughout the Queanbeyan area,” she said.
“It will provide access to high-quality early learning programs, and support young children at a crucial stage in their development.
“Early learning plays a vital role in setting the foundation for a child’s future success and supports a smooth transition to kindergarten.”
School Infrastructure NSW’s website also says the preschool is expected to be sited to the west of Building M at Queanbeyan South Public School.
State Member for Monaro Steve Whan also welcomed the start of construction on the project.
“The new preschool will be a real boost for local families and will help Queanbeyan South continue to grow and thrive, strengthening the whole community,” he said.
“I’m delighted that work is now underway, and I share the community’s excitement in seeing this fantastic new facility take shape over the coming months.”
The project is one of 100 new public preschools set to be co-located with public primary schools in NSW, as part of an effort to boost access to public preschool across the state.
It was announced earlier this year, alongside a new primary school on a site that had previously been set aside for Googong’s new high school.
At the time, Mr Whan described it as being on a “constrained” block in Gorman Drive, which was affecting planning for its future.
The announcement means the town’s first public primary school, which opened in 2023, is set to remain as is.
The new preschool is expected to open by early 2027, with room to accommodate up to 80 children a week.
