The Hills schools crisis in The Hills Shire is worsening, with 13 schools over their enrolment limits and three accommodating double their capacity.
Mayor Dr. Michelle Byrne has raised alarms about the situation, noting that the NSW Government’s housing reforms lack the necessary infrastructure funding.
Existing schools are also suffering, struggling with record student numbers and insufficient facilities. A petition with 20,000 signatures has been submitted, calling on the NSW Government to invest in better roads, schools, parks, and local infrastructure for the growing Hills Shire.
“We are one of the fastest growing councils in the country with the most overcrowded schools in the state and while the NSW Government is approving tens of thousands of homes for our Shire, they are doing nothing to address the schools crisis,” Mayor Byrne said.
“When we started our Fairer Hills Future campaign, we knew the number of new schools needed by 2035 was 13. With additional NSW Government housing reforms like Low to-mid rise and the Housing Delivery Authority, that number is expected to rise to 15.
“We are being pummelled by more applications via the State Government’s new Low to-Mid Rise planning reforms than any other council, and the HDA is fast-tracking close to 6,000 homes in our LGA.
“Meanwhile they have not given us any indication of how they will help Hills families cope with the existing overcrowding – let alone the tsunami of students expected over the coming years.
“Parents tell us their children endure mould-covered demountables and 1950s toilets at Baulkham Hills North Public, asbestos-riddled buildings at Castle Hill High, and a Wi-Fi connection so bad that Department of Education staff bring their own 5G dongles when they visit the school.”
Katherine Kirk, President of Castle Hill High School P&C, said that the local high school, which had been in the media over asbestos issues, is stretched far beyond its capacity, with nearly 2,000 students on a site originally designed for just 900.
“This severe overcrowding has resulted in a campus reliant on 51 demountable classrooms and facilities that are simply not fit for purpose – including outdated and insufficient toilets, a lack of changerooms, poor drainage that causes flooding, poor Wi-Fi connectivity, and no covered walkways or bus shelters to protect students and staff from the elements,” Mrs Kirk said.
“While asbestos at the school is well managed by the Department of Education, our broader infrastructure issues — such as demountables and lack of shelter — are entirely separate.
“Despite having plans and funding in place, projects have been delayed for two to three years, even in areas not impacted by asbestos. This situation highlights the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that our school is brought up to a safe and modern standard.”
Nadine Vijaykumar, Vice President of Baulkham Hills North Public School P&C, said the school had 20 demountables, some of which were over 15 years old and leaked, soaking carpets and contributing to mould growth.
“Our children are really being disadvantaged by the facilities available to teachers and students,” Ms Vijaykumar said.
“Our library is tiny; our kids don’t have the open space needed to be active and participate in play-based learning, our school hall is undersized, and the P&C had to raise the funding to put in modern AV equipment.”
The Hills Shire Council estimates that 15 new public schools will be required across the region to adequately cater for the Hills’ booming population, including in Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Norwest, Bella Vista/Kellyville, Box Hill, and Gables.
Residents are urged to sign the petition here.
For more information about the campaign, visit: fairerhillsfuture.com.au
