First look at plans for Bomaderry High School upgrade, one of eight major Shoalhaven and South Coast school projects

Release date: 29 February 2024

The much-anticipated multimillion-dollar upgrade to Bomaderry High School is another step closer to construction, with the initial plans for the site unveiled today after the business case received approval to proceed.

The Bomaderry High School upgrade is one of eight major capital works projects which will be delivered by the Minns Government for growing communities in the Shoalhaven and South Coast region.

In addition to the Bomaderry project, Nowra East Public School will also receive a multimillion-dollar makeover – its largest upgrade since the school was built in 1964.

The upgrade at Nowra East Public School is in planning, with works likely to include new permanent classrooms and support learning spaces, along with refurbishment of existing facilities.

The upgrades are in addition to a new public primary school to be co-located with Shoalhaven High School in South Nowra.

The investment in Shoalhaven schools is part of a record $8.8 billion over four years for new and upgraded public schools across the state, to help ensure working families have access to world-class public education.

As part of the Bomaderry High School upgrade, significant infrastructure improvements will be delivered for staff and students, with a brand-new building at the front of the school and existing classrooms to be refurbished.

The new building will include new classrooms for Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) and Food Technology, new workshops for woodwork, metalwork, and food preparation, as well as administration facilities.

TAS is one of the fastest growing and most innovative subject areas in the curriculum encompassing a diverse range of subjects including agriculture, textiles, and software design. Almost 50 existing classrooms and staffrooms at Bomaderry High School will get a facelift and there will be much-needed upgrades to toilet blocks, landscaping, and pedestrian access.

Information on the planned works will be shared with the community at an upcoming information session.

Full list of major capital works coming to the Shoalhaven and South Coast region:

• New public school for Nowra
  
• Bomaderry High School upgrade
  
• Nowra East Public School upgrade
  
• Vincentia High School upgrade
  
• Milton Public School upgrade
  
• Ulladulla Public School upgrade
  
• Ulladulla High School upgrade
  
• Opening former Shoalhaven Anglican School site for public education
  

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

"The Shoalhaven is one of the fastest growing regional areas in Australia, gaining 1,000 new residents each year, so it’s vital our educational infrastructure accommodates that growth.

“Last week the NSW Government released its enrolment growth audit report, delivering on its election promise to families who want assurances that schools will be available where and when they are needed.

“Recommendations from the report will be actioned to ensure schools are built and upgrades are delivered where they are needed most, including in growing regional areas like the Shoalhaven.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“With the Bomaderry High School business case now approved, a construction tender can be released and work on the upgrade can get started which is fantastic news for our community.

“And equally exciting is the news families at Nowra East Public School will also receive much needed improvements to their facilities with news a multimillion-dollar upgrade in on its way.”

“This project will make such a huge difference to the learning and teaching experience of students and staff, who have been looking forward to these changes for a very long time.