New High School in Medowie Moves Forward as Plans Open for Public Feedback

3 March 2025

newy.com.au – The long-awaited public high school in Medowie is one step closer to reality, with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) now open for public exhibition from 3 March to 30 March 2025. The NSW Government is inviting community feedback on the project, which is set to transform local education opportunities.

The NSW Department of Education acquired a 6.6-hectare site at 6 Abundance Road, Medowie last year, securing the location for the area’s first local public high school. Slated to open in Term 1, 2027, the school will feature modern classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, outdoor play and sports areas, administration facilities, and specialist learning spaces.

The REF assesses any potential environmental impacts that may arise during the school’s development, and community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback via the NSW Planning Portal. The exhibition period provides locals with the opportunity to have their say on a school that will serve future generations.

The project has been a longstanding priority for Medowie residents, with strong advocacy for a local public high school. Previously, the former Liberal-National Government had dismissed the need for the school, but the Minns Labor Government has committed to delivering it as part of its $1.4 billion investment in school infrastructure across regional NSW.

This funding includes planning for a new public school and high school in Huntlee, as well as major upgrades at Newcastle High School, Gillieston Public School, Hunter River High School, and Irrawang High School.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving education facilities in growing communities like Medowie. “The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to provide world-class education facilities for growing communities like Medowie, and I’m pleased to see this important project moving forward.” “I am proud that the Minns Labor Government is delivering for the families of Medowie, who were told by the Liberal and Nationals that a quality public school was not needed for their community.” “With Medowie’s population expected to grow significantly, this project is a critical step in ensuring every child has access to a quality public education close to home.”

Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington, highlighted the community’s long-standing demand for a local high school and encouraged residents to participate in the consultation process. “This is a massive milestone for Medowie. Our community has been crying out for a local public high school for years, and the Minns Labor Government is delivering it.” “I encourage our community to have their say during this consultation period—this is a school for Medowie’s future, and local voices matter.” “I’m excited that we’re another step closer to local students learning at a local public high school. I know our community is eager to see it starting to take shape.”

Residents can access the 👉REF and submit feedback👈 until 30 March 2025.

Join the discussion on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/newy878/posts/pfbid0XnT8woE8MkcRyC34ybpHm1eAPxa6AQXMq25cmMjQ4Ynv7tUnfcFZDiyVLgKRso2Al

An in-depth look at the REF:

The design of the new Medowie High School delivers a modern, purpose-built campus with a range of facilities to serve students’ educational and recreational needs. The school will initially accommodate 640 students in 29 permanent teaching spaces (classrooms), including three dedicated support classrooms for special education. The campus is designed for future growth, with core facilities (for example, the hall and infrastructure) scaled to ultimately support up to 1,000 students.

The school will comprise three main blocks:

Block A is a three-storey building housing administration offices, the library, general classrooms, and some specialist learning areas (including PDHPE and performing arts).

Block B is another three-storey building focused on specialist facilities, it will contain science labs, wood/metal workshops, food technology kitchens, textile and art studios, as well as additional general learning spaces and staff areas.

Block C is a single-storey building that includes a large multi-purpose hall (gymnasium) with capacity for school assemblies and community events of up to 1,000 people, plus a canteen, amenities, and associated storage.

The campus will have ample outdoor space for students. Plans show a central courtyard, a full-sized playing field/oval, and at least three multipurpose hardcourts. There will also be landscaped areas for outdoor learning, shaded COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) structures, and paths connecting the facilities with covered walkways. Overall, only about 20% of the site will be occupied by buildings and hard surfaces, the majority remains open green space or landscaping, which aids natural water infiltration and preserves Medowie’s character.

To manage traffic safely, the design provides separate access points for different users. The main vehicle entry/exit will be via Ferodale Road (the northern boundary), including a new intersection or upgraded crossing for school traffic. A secondary entry from Abundance Road (east side) will serve pedestrians and a “kiss-and-ride” drop-off zone. A new pedestrian crossing will be created to allow safe student crossing. On-site, there will be parking for approximately 49 cars (including accessible spaces) for staff and visitors, and around 57 bicycle parking spots to encourage cycling. Dedicated bus drop-off/pick-up bays will be created on Abundance Road adjacent to the school. Stormwater drainage along Abundance Road and an on-site detention tank will ensure runoff is properly managed.

Inside, the school will offer a full suite of contemporary facilities. In addition to standard classrooms, there will be specialist learning rooms for science, technology, and arts, a library/media centre, and a gymnasium as part of the hall complex. Administrative offices, staff common areas, and a wellness hub for student support are included in Block A. There will also be support unit classrooms and accessible amenities for students with disabilities. Other support spaces include a canteen, student toilets and change rooms, equipment storage, and plant rooms for building services.

Delivering a brand-new high school is a major investment, and the project has secured substantial government funding. The NSW Government committed an initial 53 million dollars specifically for building Medowie High School. This commitment was announced as a key election promise. While 53 million is the initial budget estimate, updated planning documents suggest the project could cost more by completion due to rising construction costs.

Medowie High School is part of a broader investment in school infrastructure across NSW, particularly in regional areas. In the 2024-25 NSW Budget, the government outlined a historic 1.4 billion dollar package for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. Medowie is specifically included in this package, alongside projects like new schools in Huntlee and upgrades to existing schools such as Newcastle High, Hunter River High, and Irrawang High. The school has followed through on funding milestones, with the project highlighted as a key investment for the Port Stephens region. Education Minister and Deputy Premier Prue Car has emphasised that delivering this school is part of addressing a school infrastructure backlog left from earlier years.

The driving reason for this project is the significant growth in Medowie’s population and the resulting student numbers.

Medowie currently has no public high school, but it has two public primary schools with around 1000 students combined. Over 1000 high-school-aged children from Medowie and nearby areas must commute to other towns daily. This provides a ready enrolment base for the new high school.

The school is being built for 640 students at opening. If it opens in 2027 with only Years 7–8, enrolment will ramp up over several years, but it could fill up quickly given the existing demand. The campus layout can eventually support up to about 1000 students.

Medowie is projected to grow significantly in population over the next decade. Council’s planning strategy anticipates a population increase fueled by new housing developments. The design allows for future expansion so the school can accommodate additional enrolment growth.

While the primary catchment is the Medowie township, the high school is expected to draw students from surrounding communities in the Port Stephens region. By providing a closer option, Medowie High could also alleviate crowding in other local high schools.

Residents can access the 👉REF and submit feedback👈 until 30 March 2025.