Umina Beach Public Preschool

School sites have been selected based on child development and socioeconomic data, projected demand for preschool, an infrastructure analysis, and valuable insights gained through local feedback during the decision-making process. For more information, visit edu.nsw.link/100NewPublicPreschools.

The preschool size was determined following an assessment of local preschool supply and future demand, enrolment data and proximity to new and existing public preschools. 

Council have provided the following written advice:

• Council is unlikely to support the construction of a standalone 60 place public preschool  without an on-site car park
• Council have noted that they will unlikely issue a certificate in accordance with Section 128 (2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, which is required under the Complying Development Certificate planning pathway for this development.
•  tree removal, particularly in the southern area, which is of high significance, will not be supported.
•  building in the southern area is not supported by Council due to potential flooding impacts (see diagram on page 4).

Due to the car park requirements, flooding concerns, and the requirement to remove trees, building the preschool in the southern area is not feasible. 

After considering all feedback, inclusive of the school community and Council, we are pleased to advise that the proposed preschool will be located in the existing Building A, which currently houses 3 kindergarten classrooms and the Aboriginal Community Room.

The existing building will be repurposed and expanded to create modern preschool learning spaces. The exact works that will be required to refurbish Building A into a new preschool will be investigated with the contractor. We will provide an update once the scope of work has been determined. 

The selection process involved evaluating multiple potential locations within the school grounds. Factors considered included minimising impacts on existing play space, operational disruptions to the school, compliance with regulations, and safety concerns related to traffic, retention of significant trees and flooding.

To make space for the new preschool, the kindergarten classrooms currently located in Building A are proposed to be relocated to Building G.

All classrooms will be relocated prior to any works starting in Building A, to ensure learning is not impacted at any time. Timing for these works will be worked through with the Principal and an update will be provided to the school community.

We are proposing to relocate the Aboriginal Community Room to an upgraded Building K, ensuring a dedicated space for Aboriginal community use. The relocation will take place before any works start in Building A, ensuring no interruption to the group’s operations.

Over the next few weeks, our project team will work alongside representatives from the local Koorana Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) to discuss the proposed relocation.

We listened to community concerns about impacting play space. Refurbishing and expanding Building A will have significantly less impact on play space than building a new standalone preschool. 

Further consultation will be undertaken, including with the local Koorana AECG to ensure the proposed preschool location can provide the best outcome for the school community and other stakeholders.

We will continue to keep the community updated throughout this process.

The new preschool will be delivered under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), an alternative planning approval pathway that considers potential environmental impacts and helps streamline the approvals process while ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

Under this classification of works a Development Application (DA) is not required. 

The tender for the building contractor for the public preschool was publicly released on the NSW Government eTendering website and included in the November 2024 Project Update on the Umina Beach Public Preschool project webpage. The building contractor, HPAC Pty Ltd, was selected after a thorough process of comparative assessment. 

Once we have received the planning approval, we will be able to advise the community of the construction start date.

The department will manage any asbestos found during construction in accordance with the NSW Department of Education’s Asbestos Management Plan and applicable work health and safety laws and regulations. This includes engaging qualified professionals to ensure the safe removal and disposal of any asbestos materials, prioritising the health and safety of all students, staff, and community members.

Construction for preschool is anticipated to be completed in time for Day 1 Term 1 2027. The opening date of the preschool will be communicated after service approval is complete. 

Community members can contact us directly at 1300 482 651 or via email at schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au. We welcome and encourage ongoing feedback and questions.