Government delays Bardia Public School upgrade as chaos reigns

15 August 2017

Local MP Anoulack Chanthivong has called on the Liberal Government to come clean on the delay of Bardia Public School’s upgrade as parents at the school battle for parking, with more than one third of car spaces swallowed up by surrounding development of the suburb.

Bardia Public School is one of nine schools across NSW due to be finished next year but which have been quietly pushed back until 2019 – potentially after the next election.

“The Liberal Government owes parents, teachers and students an explanation for this appalling delay,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“Bardia Public School is located in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing catchments and yet the Government fails to deliver on its promise of more classrooms. It’s completely unacceptable and farcical.

“More people are moving into the area each day and yet this Government sits idly on its hands and does nothing. Local families are desperate for answers but the Government has no explanation – only silence.

“Meanwhile, parents tell me of horror stories of parking chaos with construction going on all around them.

How much longer must parents, teachers and students put up with this mess?

“Ironically, this Government moves as slow as a tortoise on Bardia. Yet, when it comes to Hurlstone Agricultural High School, it races off like a hare putting up ‘For Sale’ signs at lightning speed as it flogs off the Farm in a greedy land grab.

“It’s a disgrace. We demand answers and action on Bardia – and now!”

Bardia Public School (formerly Ingleburn North Public School) is set to increase from 300 students to 1000 students following the upgrade, which will see 44 new classrooms, a sports field, basketball court and outdoor learning areas. Several existing buildings will be demolished in the process. The existing school remains operational while the new school is being constructed.

The development application is currently with Campbelltown City Council, to be referred to the South West Sydney Joint Regional Planning Panel. Works are due to commence later this year.