Coogee MP calls for government to deliver on promises to Randwick Girls and Boys high schools

By SASHA FOOT

Labor MP for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill has called for urgent action on infrastructure improvements promised by the NSW government for Randwick Girls and Randwick Boys high schools. 

O’Neill said that by stalling the upgrades of the outdated school facilities, the government is devaluing the educational needs of young people. 

She cited the “potential health risks” of neglected facilities that were raised by the Randwick Girls P&C in a NSW Parliamentary Enquiry earlier this year as “deeply concerning”. 

“The health and well-being of our students and teachers are critically important,” O’Neill said. 

Government is “committed” to upgrades

The NSW Government maintains their commitment to updating infrastructure at Randwick Girls and Boys High School, despite over four years of delays which the MP for Coogee has criticised. 

A department of education spokesperson told City Hub that the NSW Government remains “committed to delivering the upgrades at Randwick Girls and Boys High School”.

The spokesperson explained that funding in 2018 went into the planning process, but it was not until the 2021/22 NSW Budget that the project was to begin. 

They stated that upgrades officially began in July this year and will continue over the summer period, with completion “expected in 2024”. 

Reasons provided for the delay in construction were the COVID-19 pandemic and wet weather. 

The spokesperson added that public school principals can “request urgent repairs through the Department” in the case of serious health and safety concerns. 

Public schools falling behind

Data published by CLOSEast, a community group that advocates for public schools, shows that infrastructure funding was cut by 25% in the 2022/23 budget, seeing the allocated $5 million decrease to $3.755 million. 

The Leader of the Opposition, Chris Minns, and the Shadow Minister for Education, Prue Car, joined O’Neill out the front of both schools to make a promise to “fast-track” the renovations.

O’Neill said that the facilities must align with the high standard of teaching at both schools. 

“It is critical that these upgrades are fast-tracked to ensure the facilities in the school are equal to the remarkable teaching being conducted by the teachers,” O’Neill said. 

The planned upgrades to Randwick Girls High School include refurbishing the food technology facilities, the administration area, and the library, as well as adding an extra woodwork workshop and providing covered walkways.   

The funding will also deliver updated power supplies, science labs, fitness spaces and food technology facilities for Randwick Boys High School.

While minor works on the schools have already started, major construction is expected to begin in 2023.