POLITICS
Mark Hodges MP
MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL
AS YOUR STATE MP , I AM HERE TO :
• Help you with any State Government matters .
• Provide Justice of the Peace services .
• Assist in accessing NSW Government services , assistance or grants .
• Arrange congratulatory messages .
02 9686 3110 castlehill @ parliament . nsw . gov . au Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP , Suite 1A , 19-21 Terminus Street , Castle Hill NSW 2154 . Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements .
Building Brighter Futures : A Major Step Forward for Schools in Sydney ’ s North-West
Sydney ’ s north-west continues to transform with a series of significant milestones in school infrastructure announced in December , 2024 .
In a major boost for families and students in the area , construction has commenced on the new permanent Tallawong Public School , while the permanent facilities for Melonba Public School and Melonba High School are on track to open on Day 1 , Term 1 , 2025 . These developments are part of the Minns Labor Government ’ s commitment to addressing the critical need for educational infrastructure in this rapidly growing region .
Tallawong Public School : A New Era Begins
The permanent Tallawong Public School project is officially underway , following the approval of its State Significant Development ( SSD ) application and the awarding of the construction contract to Richard Crookes Constructions . Located at 24 Macquarie Road , Rouse Hill , this stateof-the-art facility will feature 24 general learning classrooms , multipurpose spaces , support learning rooms , a new library , and a canteen . Additional amenities include a multipurpose hall , covered outdoor learning areas , a new sports court , and landscaped play spaces , catering to 600 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 .
While the original completion date was set for late 2025 , delays due to planning approvals have pushed the forecast to April 2026 . Efforts are underway to bring this timeline forward , ensuring the school is ready for Day 1 , Term 1 , 2026 .
Principal Julie Grennard expressed her enthusiasm for the project , stating , “ This marks a significant moment for our community . The new facilities will provide students with an environment that fosters creativity , learning , and growth .”
The school is currently operating in temporary facilities at Riverstone Public School , where enrolments are capped at 150 students . Additional temporary buildings will be installed this year to meet growing demand until the permanent site is complete .
Melonba Public School : Ahead of Schedule
In an exciting development , the permanent Melonba Public School is set to open six months earlier than anticipated , welcoming students on Day 1 , Term 1 , 2025 . With the capacity to accommodate 1,000 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 , the new campus will alleviate pressure on nearby Northbourne Public School .
Significant progress on construction has allowed the timeline to be accelerated , a testament to the government ’ s commitment to meeting the urgent demand for quality educational facilities in the area . Principal Larissa Maraga shared her delight , saying , “ We are thrilled to see the school ’ s completion ahead of schedule . This ensures our students will have access to world-class facilities sooner than expected .”
While the school oval will require additional time for turf establishment , all other facilities will be ready for immediate use .
Melonba High School : A Milestone Achieved
Melonba High School will also open its permanent facilities on schedule at the start of the 2025 academic year . Designed to accommodate 2,000 students across Years 7 to 12 , the high school will address the increasing enrolment demands in Sydney ’ s northwest . Principal Leon Weatherstone expressed confidence in the new facilities , stating , “ Our students will benefit from a cutting-edge learning environment , preparing them for future success .”
Tackling Rapid Growth in the North-West
The North-West Growth Area has experienced unprecedented population growth , with the population in suburbs like Tallawong more than tripling between 2016 and 2021 . This surge has necessitated swift action to expand educational infrastructure . To address these challenges , the NSW Government has already delivered three temporary schools — Tallawong Public School , Nirimba Fields Public School , and Melonba High School — to accommodate immediate enrolment needs while permanent facilities are constructed .
Looking ahead , additional projects are underway , including new public schools for Box Hill , Gables , and Nirimba Fields , as well as a new high school for Schofields / Tallawong . Major upgrades are also in progress at Rouse Hill High School and Schofields Public School , ensuring that families in the region have access to high-quality education . Overcoming Challenges The journey to delivering these critical projects has not been without obstacles . Delays in SSD approvals , flood mitigation measures , and consultations with local councils have posed challenges . However , the government ’ s determination to prioritise education has seen these hurdles addressed , ensuring the projects remain on track .
In some cases , cultural sensitivities have required additional consultation . For instance , the site for the new Schofields / Tallawong High School has faced opposition from a segment of the local Aboriginal community due to potential heritage significance . The Department of Education is working closely with all stakeholders to resolve these concerns , demonstrating a commitment to respectful and inclusive planning . Community Engagement The local community has been
Deputy Premier Prue Car with Member for Riverstone , Warren Kirby , and the Mayor of Blacktown , Brad Bunting , at the site of the new school at Tallawong .
actively involved in the planning and progress of these projects . Recent information sessions , including one at the temporary Tallawong Public School , have provided updates and garnered positive feedback from residents . Another session at Schofields Public School was to unveil concept designs for the Schofields / Tallawong High School . A Vision for the Future The Minns Labor Government ’ s investment in Sydney ’ s north-west represents a broader commitment to delivering a world-class public education system . These new facilities are more than just buildings ; they are spaces where students can thrive , communities can come together , and futures can be built .
As Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby aptly put it , “ These projects are about ensuring every child , no matter where they live , has access to the best education possible . This is the future of our community , and we are proud to be delivering it .”
The journey ahead remains challenging , but the foundations are firmly in place . With construction underway , early completions , and a focus on collaboration , Sydney ’ s northwest is set to become a beacon of educational excellence .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au HAPPY NEW YEAR ! ISSUE 115 // JANUARY 2025 19