Construction to Begin on Long-Awaited Public High School in Medowie

newy.com.au – Construction of a long-awaited public high school in Medowie is set to begin in September 2025, following planning approval granted by the New South Wales Government. The new school, located at 6 Abundance Road, will open its doors to students on Day 1 of Term 1, 2027, marking a major milestone for the Port Stephens community after decades of advocacy.

The project, initially promised as a $53 million commitment by Labor during the 2023 state election campaign, will be built on a 6.6-hectare site acquired in June 2024. Designed to initially accommodate 640 students, the school will have the capacity to expand to 1,000 in response to local population growth.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said the project delivers on the government’s pledge to invest in educational infrastructure in growing regional communities. “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,” she said.

The high school will feature contemporary learning spaces including modern classrooms, dedicated support class areas, science laboratories, and purpose-built workshops. Community amenities such as a multipurpose hall, library, administrative facilities, and outdoor sports areas are also part of the design. Artist impressions released this week reveal the proposed layout and architecture of the new school.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington welcomed the news, saying it marks the end of a long struggle for local families. “This is a huge moment for Medowie. We’ve fought for a public high school for decades, and now it’s finally happening,” Ms Washington said. “This school will transform our town and children’s lives. It’s about keeping our kids connected to their community and giving them the opportunities they deserve, right here at home.”

The school’s development follows extensive planning and community consultation. A Review of Environmental Factors was publicly exhibited in early 2025, with assessments addressing traffic impacts, bushfire risks, and Aboriginal heritage. While no culturally significant sites were identified, local feedback contributed to refining the school’s final design.

Sustainability and accessibility are central to the development. The site will incorporate rainwater harvesting, stormwater filtration, and energy-efficient building systems. Transport facilities include undercover bicycle and scooter parking, a kiss-and-drop bay, accessible parking, and a new bus bay with pedestrian connections along Abundance Road.

Planning approval was issued under a Part 5 process, which streamlines assessment for public infrastructure and allows the Department of Education to proceed without a development application through council. Tendering for a construction contractor is expected later this year, with building works anticipated to take 12 to 18 months once underway.

The Department of Education has not yet confirmed the school’s name, leadership team, uniform, or specific enrolment zones. However, families in Medowie and nearby Salt Ash are expected to fall within the initial catchment. The new school will relieve enrolment pressure on nearby Hunter River, Irrawang and Tomaree high schools, where students from Medowie currently travel up to 40 minutes by bus each day.

The Medowie community has long advocated for a local secondary school, with groups such as the Medowie Progress Association playing a central role in lobbying efforts. Until now, Medowie has remained one of the largest towns in New South Wales without its own public high school.

The project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader $2.1 billion program to build and upgrade schools across regional New South Wales. Other projects in the Hunter region include upgrades to Hunter River High and Irrawang High, redevelopment works at Newcastle High and Gillieston Public School, and planning for a new school precinct at Huntlee.