The New South Wales government has announced a $700 million investment to construct five new schools across southwest Sydney, as part of a broader $1.4 billion commitment to education infrastructure in the region. The funding, approved by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Deputy Premier Prue Car, will feature new primary and secondary schools alongside a co-located public early learning centre in Austral.

The new primary schools are planned for East Cobbitty, Oran Park North, and Menangle Park, each incorporating public early learning centres. Additionally, Spring Farm Public School is slated for a significant upgrade under the new budget, Education Minister Prue Car confirmed.

Car emphasized the government’s focus on preparing for rapid population growth and ensuring families have access to high-quality public education close to home. "Every mum and dad building a home in southwest Sydney or raising a family deserves access to an exceptional public school close to home," she said, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to rebuild public education after three years of investment.

Southwest Sydney has experienced substantial growth over the past six years, with the number of homes rising from 72,000 to 90,000, accompanied by an increase of nearly 5,500 public school students. Projections indicate continued expansion, with an additional 82,000 homes expected between 2026 and 2041, underscoring the need for enhanced educational infrastructure.

Local representatives welcomed the investment. Leppington state Labor MP Nathan Hagarty described the new schools as essential for one of the state’s fastest-growing communities, saying the funding delivers on promises made to residents. Camden state Labor MP Sally Quinnell highlighted the importance of providing adequate classrooms, teachers, and facilities in Oran Park to support student development within their community.

In addition to the new buildings, ongoing projects include upgrades to existing schools such as Austral Public School, Dalmeny Public School, Greenway Park Public School, and Leppington Public School. The government had also previously announced new education facilities in Gledswood Hills, Emerald Hills, Leppington, and Denham Court, alongside new preschools adjacent to Eschol Park Public School, Kearns Public School, and Robert Townson Public School.

Austral resident Emina Topalovic expressed strong support for the proposed schools, describing them as vital for the community amid rapid growth. She noted that previously, families faced the challenge of traveling outside the area for high school, making the new local schools a significant development for Austral, which she said “has been left without for so long.”

The new funding and construction plans are expected to address the pressing needs of southwest Sydney’s expanding population, aiming to ensure that educational infrastructure keeps pace with residential growth.