The Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew has welcomed the announcement in today’s NSW Budget that Karonga School will have its facilities upgraded.
The NSW Government announced today it would spend $3.5 million over the next three years upgrading Karonga, a school catering for students with disabilities in Epping.
“I have lobbied hard on this issue since my election in 2007 and am delighted to see this outcome for Karonga,” Ms McKew said.
“My heartfelt thanks go to Premier Kristina Keneally and NSW Education Minister Verity Firth for hearing my plea on behalf of Karonga.”
Principal Sue Dennett has welcomed the announcement.
“It’s marvellous and our staff and students are looking forward to working in a modern facility.”
The 2010/11 Budget will allocate an initial $350,000 for planning, design and consultation with the school community to determine the needs of students at the school.
Construction work will begin in 2011 and will include:
- 4 new, purpose-built special education classrooms
- accessible bathrooms
- therapy room
- courtyards and fenced playground area
- storage for specialised equipment
- office spaces
- a safe transport pick-up/drop-off area.
Ms McKew said Karonga caters for around 60 students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, autism and behavioural disorders as well as students who require a high level of support.
“Karonga provides a unique environment for its students,” said Ms McKew.
“It is the only school of its type in Northern Sydney.”
“The new classrooms will improve student learning and allow for better use of technology to help in the children’s learning.”
“This builds on the $900,000 investment in Karonga under the Building the Education Revolution program, as well as allocations through the National Secondary School Computer Fund,” said Ms McKew.
