NSW Government fast tracks historical expansion of public preschools

The New South Wales Government is fast tracking ‘the largest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history’ in order to ensure that 100 preschools co-located with public schools are delivered by 2027. 

The Government will change the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), permitting new preschool buildings or preschools in existing buildings under complying development provisions.

Changes to the SEPP will permit the development of new preschool buildings, or allow preschools to operate in existing buildings at all NSW public schools without the need for development applications.

This will speed up the delivery of new preschools by up to eight months.

“We are cutting red tape as part of our plan to deliver this historic expansion of public preschools to the families of NSW,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said.

By making reforms to the planning system, the Government expects that it will be quicker and easier to deliver public preschools in local schools. 

The changes come as the NSW Government plans new public preschools including 51 across Sydney, with 49 of those in Western Sydney, South-West Sydney and North-West Sydney.

Some 49 preschools will also be built in regions outside of Sydney, including the Hunter and Illawarra, the South Coast, Mid North Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Far West, Riverina, South-West Slopes and Central West regions.

The NSW Government has also committed $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools in areas of greatest need and has provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.