Community representatives and politicians gathered to mark the start of construction on the new school. Photo: Supplied.
Construction on a new high school has started in what’s been described as a “major milestone” for a regional community.
This week, a sod turn marked the start of construction of a new – and permanent – Bungendore High School on a 4 ha site on Birchfield Drive.
Once construction is finished, the school will have 26 classrooms (as well as three support classrooms), administration and other staff facilities, a hall and canteen area, sports field and agricultural plot, a library and kiss and drop zones.
But before it could reach this point, there was a court case, multiple sets of plans put forward and a community campaign against the initial site.
The Save Bungendore Park group, which had launched legal action and lobbied against the initial site, welcomed the news.
“We wish the students, staff and the entire school community every success. We’re confident you will do us all proud,” the group said in a statement on social media.
“This is more than just a building site – it’s the result of years of community advocacy. We stood up to government mismanagement and bullying and refused to accept second-rate compromises.
“To everyone who spoke up, showed up and never gave up: thank you. Your determination made this happen.”
According to the latest update for the project from School Infrastructure NSW, planning approval had recently been granted and the school’s design was being finalised.
Bungendore High School principal Melissa Giddins said the sod turning was a milestone for the school community.
“Breaking ground is a really exciting moment for our school. It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff and families.
“Our whole school community has been looking forward to this project, and we can’t wait to see our future school come to life.”
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said the process had come with delays.
The new school is expected to open in early 2027. Photo: Bungendore High School Facebook.
“Bungendore has needed a high school for years and it is a great – [and] long overdue – day for this community to see construction under way,” he said.
“Labor first promised a high school for Bungendore in 2015, the former Coalition government did nothing about it until making a belated and poorly considered commitment just a couple of years out from the last election. The result was community division and a saga of delay.
“The process the former government put in place caused hurt in the community and I welcome the opportunity we now have to deliver a school that brings everyone together.”
The temporary Bungendore High School will remain operational during the construction of the permanent facilities.
Earlier this year, a split campus model was proposed until the new school was ready.
If approved, some kids would learn at the Majara Street site and others at the existing Bungendore Public School (where students have been studying in demountables).
“I also want to thank the Bungendore High School staff led by principal Melissa Giddens, the P&C, parents and students for making the temporary high school work so well and for showing just how much it can benefit young people to get their secondary education close to home,” Mr Whan said.
Acting Education and Early Learning Minister Courtney Houssos said the process of changing to the new site “left the community divided”.
“The Minns Labor Government ended this uncertainty when Prue Car announced the new site and with major construction now underway, families can finally see their new permanent high school taking shape,” she said.
“This new high school is a major investment in the future of public education in Monaro, and will provide local students with a world class education in the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.”
The new Bungendore High School is scheduled to open in term one, 2027, with capacity for 600 students.
