The burden of debt has been eased on parents of private-school kids in the Illawarra, after the NSW government doubled funding to build new classrooms and other facilities on Friday.
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Kiama MP Gareth Ward welcomed the extra $50million over the next four years under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme for NSW Catholic and Independent schools, announced ahead of next week’s state budget.
“Demand for school places is increasing across the state and this funding recognises the significant role non-government schools will play in meeting that challenge.’’
Association of Independent Schools NSW executive director Dr Geoff Newcombe said the money was especially welcome in low socio-economic regions, including pockets of the Illawarra.
‘‘This decision recognises the important contribution that non-government schools make ... and the importance of investing in critical school infrastructure,’’ he said.
Edmund Rice College principal Peter McGovern said his school had grown 25 per cent in the past four years, and the extra funding would support families, who paid for a large chunk of the capital works that went into schools.
‘‘Catholic schools are under a lot of pressure for enrolments, so $50 million extra is terrific to relieve some of that tension,’’ he said.
Mr McGovern said he knew firsthand the value of extra assistance, with the West Wollongong college fortunate enough to receive a Commonwealth grant to help build a new library and music block.
The Illawarra Grammar School headmaster Stephen Kinsella also praised the announcement, agreeing parents largely had to foot the bill for infrastructure.
Across NSW, 10,000 more children are being born each year than in 2010, with more money needed for infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for places at non-government schools.
