An artist’s impression of what one of the preschools might look like. Image: NSW Government.
Preschool places for more than 320 young kids are a step closer.
Four new public preschools are being built in regional areas, with the NSW Government announcing a contractor for the projects.
Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will deliver the projects, with construction expected to begin later this year.
Two will be built in the region and will be located at Queanbeyan East and Queanbeyan South public schools.
The others will be built at Boorowa Central School and Moss Vale Public School.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said the preschools would accommodate hundreds of families.
“I am very excited that the government is delivering the public preschools we promised at Queanbeyan East and Queanbeyan South public schools. Both schools serve a population that needs additional affordable preschool options and it will help break down barriers to quality education.
“I look forward to construction getting underway for the new preschools shortly.”
These preschools will be co-located on local public primary school grounds and offer places for up to 320 children a week.
They will join the recently opened Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool, which was the first new public preschool built in NSW in almost 20 years.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the preschools would expand access for regional families.
“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to improving access to free quality public preschool for our youngest learners because we know how crucial early learning is for a child’s development,” she said.
“The former Liberal National government failed to deliver for young families in the regions and didn’t build a single new public preschool while in office.
“The Minns Labor Government made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”
The preschools are scheduled to open in early 2027.
These sites are part of the Minns Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, with almost half located in the regions.
Site selection prioritised areas of highest need, and was based on a rigorous selection process.
Once completed, the 100 public preschools will provide places for 9000 children.
