The controversial, central, Majara Street site of the proposed Bungendore High School has been abandoned after community opposition in favour of a four-hectare greenfield site on Birchfield Drive, in North Bungendore.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the government had secured the new site to “end the uncertainty and deliver a fit-for-purpose school as quickly as possible”. 

The department has acquired the site and begun work on design and planning for the new school, with the aim of opening in early 2027.  

“This site will ensure we are able to provide the best public education and facilities for students in Bungendore well into the future,” the minister said.  

Member for Monaro Steve Whan welcomed Wednesday’s announcement as “a new chapter on this project”. 

“I’m pleased the department has moved the location of the new Bungendore High School to a site that can be delivered as quickly as possible, and that can fit additional students to cater for the  growing population,” he said.  

“This has been a long and frustrating process for the entire community, and I thank you all for your patience while we finally get underway with building the new school.” 

The site is located in a new residential area of Bungendore with space for a full-size playing field.

Bungendore High School has been operational in purpose-built temporary facilities alongside Bungendore Public School since Term 1 2023. From Term 1 next year, the school will be open to students from years 7 to 10. 

The temporary high school will also expand to include classrooms within the former council offices at the Majara Street site while the permanent school is built. Work on the design and planning for this is underway. 

The minister said that once the new school was complete, the department would engage with the local community about  future uses of the Majara Street site.