New high school for Medowie

Construction of the new school is expected to start in mid 2025 once a contractor is appointed.

The final timeline for completion is subject to planning approvals, the appointment of a contractor, and weather conditions. We are planning for all works to be completed by Day 1 Term 1 2027. After planning approval is received and a contractor is appointed, we will be able to finalise the design and start construction on site. We will keep the community updated on timeframes.

The Department of Education conducted an expressions of interest process, which identified the new site at 6 Abundance Road Medowie. The site selection was guided by:

• site size - ensuring the site can accommodate required buildings and open spaces and allows for future growth
• location - prioritising safety, accessibility, transport, walkability and proximity to primary feeder schools
• environmental and cultural context - minimising impacts to biodiversity and respecting the heritage by integrating it into the design
• risks - assessing risks such as flood or bushfire hazards
• site servicing - ensuring access to utilities such as water, sewer and electricity.

The school site is 6.51 hectares. Planning has included development of a master plan that allows for expansion of school facilities to support future growth and student enrolments to 2036. Future expansion would be subject to a separate review and approval process.

The design of the new high school has taken the existing stormwater infrastructure into careful consideration. We are committed to ensuring that the development meets the required standards from Hunter Water Corporation and does not contribute to increased flooding.

• Stormwater infrastructure
  There is currently no stormwater infrastructure on the western side of Abundance Road. As part of the project, we will expand the stormwater network, including the installation of an underground pit and pipe system to direct stormwater from the road into the Council’s system on Ferrodale Road. Site stormwater will be collected in an onsite detention tank, filtered and released into the stormwater system gradually.
• Kerb and gutter installation
  New kerb and guttering will be installed along the western side of Abundance Road (next to the school site) to direct stormwater into the new underground stormwater pit and pipe system, helping manage runoff and preventing water from impacting nearby properties.
• Rainwater harvesting
  Rainwater from the school’s roof will be stored in tanks and used to irrigate the school grounds, reducing the burden on stormwater systems.
• Site area and water infiltration
  The new buildings and hardscape cover approximately 20% of the overall school site. The vast majority of the site will enable water to naturally infiltrate the ground, ensuring natural water flow is maintained.

Planning for the new high school has considered the size of existing sewer infrastructure and has been designed to meet the required standards from Hunter Water Corporation (HWC) who own and operate the sewerage network in Medowie.

We are designing the school’s sewerage system in accordance with HWC requirements. The school will not pump the school’s sewer directly into the local network due to the size of the network. This is standard across sites in the local area that are connected to the sewer main. The design includes septic tanks and holding tanks, with a low flow pump out to the sewer main to prevent overloading in accordance with HWC requirements.

We understand transport is a key concern for the community. A School Transport Plan will be developed to encourage students to choose alternative modes of transport, which is the primary and most effective means of mitigating demands and congestion on the surrounding roads.

We will continue to consult with Port Stephens Council and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to ensure the transport needs for the new school are met. 

The Department of Education promotes sustainable travel opportunities, and the project includes several measures to support this, including:

• undercover bike and scooter parking
• kiss and drop bay
• accessible drop-off bay and parking spaces within the staff car park
• bus bay
• pedestrian crossing on Abundance Road to give pedestrians priority and increase the safety of students arriving by foot or bicycle
• new footpaths connecting into existing pedestrian infrastructure. 

Active and green travel is encouraged for both students and teachers. Car parking spaces will be provided for staff on site, accessed via Ferodale Road. 

Year groups have not been determined for school opening in 2027. This is expected to be confirmed around 6-12 months before the new school opens, and when enrolments open.

The catchment area has not yet been determined. The catchment area will be confirmed closer to the school opening, typically around 12 months prior, and will consider the latest student enrolment data. Catchment boundaries are reviewed regularly to ensure every child in NSW has a well-resourced local public school to attend.

Enrolments will open after the catchment area has been confirmed. This is expected to be around 6-12 months before the new school opens.