WWHS Redevelopment Update - March 2022
Investing In Our Schools
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.The NSW Department of Education is committed to delivering new and upgraded schools for communities across NSW. The delivery of these important projects is essential to the future learning needs of our students and supports growth in the local economy.
Project Overview
A project is underway to redevelop Wee Waa High School. The project will deliver new learning spaces, modern core facilities including a library and multipurpose hall, a new agricultural and environment centre, sports fields and sports courts as well as a new Indigenous Cultural Centre.
Progress Summary
We have started a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, in order to begin early works on the Mitchell Street site.
We are working on a response to submissions report which will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to address areas of concern from the community, local government and other stakeholders. Over the coming weeks, our response to submissions report will be published via the Department of Planning and Environment’s website: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/42061.
Next Steps
We will begin early works in the upcoming months to prepare the Mitchell Street site for construction. Once the SSD planning application is approved we will provide an update to the community with more information about main works construction. We will continue to develop the concept design for the agricultural plot in consultation with the school community and the Project Reference Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Review of Environmental Factors (REF)? The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 allows public authorities to carry out certain infrastructure works without development consent from council or the Department of Planning and Environment. Some of the works that can be carried out relate to flood mitigation and stormwater systems. In 2017 the NSW Government also introduced a new education-based State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that aims to make it easier to provide new and upgraded education facilities for communities. Under the SEPP some development works can be carried out without development consent from council or the Department of Planning and Environment at existing school facilities.
Will the agricultural centre follow a REF planning pathway?
For the Wee Waa High School Redevelopment, the allowable works under the SEPP include upgrading the existing school agricultural facilities, as well as some flood mitigation works to improve the flood characteristics at the new school site and surrounding properties. We are completing a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to determine whether the works will have any significant impacts on the environment. We are consulting with representatives from the school and key community stakeholders to refine the design of the upgraded agricultural plot. We will inform the community on its progress as soon as further information is available.
When will building work for the new school start?
It is anticipated that flood mitigation and preparatory works will begin at the site of Mitchell Street from April 2022. Construction of the new school is anticipated to start in the coming months, pending approval of the State Significant Development application. More detail on construction timing will be provided following planning approval.
Is there any contamination at the Mitchell street site?
There is a small amount of contamination in a north-western corner of the site. The contamination is localised, confined to surface soils, and is consistent with materials associated with rubbish dumping. Any contaminated soils will be fully remediated as part of the project. A Remediation Action Plan was submitted and exhibited with the planning submission and has been considered appropriate by the NSW EPA. Any contaminated or hazardous materials found on the project site will be managed by the contractor as part of construction, in strict accordance with SafeWork NSW regulations and all applicable legislation, policies and guidelines.
How will the school be built so quickly?
Modern construction methods using lightweight structures and modular technology will be the preferred approach for this project. The method consists of combining the manufacture of building components, such as wall systems and façades, in a safe, clean and efficient factory environment off-site with onsite assembly. The parts will be transported to the school site on trucks and then assembled into place by local trades workers. This approach can reduce on-site construction assembly time by up to 30 per cent and provide an opportunity for the local workforce to be involved in the assembling of components. For more information visit the project webpage at https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/projects/w/wee-waa-high-school-redevelopment.html or contact School Infrastructure NSW on the details below.
At the NSW Department of Education, we recognise the traditional custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We celebrate the First Peoples' unique cultural and spiritual relationship to Country and acknowledge the significance of Aboriginal cultures in Australia.
For More Information
School Infrastructure NSW
Email: schoolinfrastructure@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 1300 482 651
www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au