21 demountable classrooms will become a thing of the past at Parramatta East Public School.
The upgrade of the school officially got underway this week, with the demountables to be replaced by new classrooms.
Parramatta East will go from having 21 demountable classrooms on site to zero, with students benefiting from 24 permanent new classrooms, a learning support unit with three classrooms, 12 common rooms and multipurpose spaces, and a library.
The work is expected to be finished by the start of school next year.
Once complete, Parramatta East will have capacity for more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for one of the fastest growing communities in NSW.
Despite it being three years since the last election, Labor remains determined to mention the former Coalition government in its official statements regarding things such as school upgrades.
“During their 12 years in government the Liberals and Nationals left Parramatta East Public School behind, and the 70-year-old facilities were bursting at the seams,” said Parramatta MP Donna Davis.
“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of removing demountables and building permanent classrooms for local students.
“I’m proud to be part of a government delivering for families in Parramatta and across western Sydney.”
Education Minister Prue Car added: “The former government oversaw record population growth in western Sydney but failed to deliver the infrastructure required including new and upgraded public schools, despite promising to do so.”
But the Opposition says Labor is taking credit for a project funded and planned under the former government.
“Parramatta East Public School was one of nine western Sydney school projects covered by a $478.2 million tranche in the 2022-23 Budget,” said Shadow Education Minister, Mark Speakman.
“That funding was from the WestInvest fund, the funding for which was opposed by Labor.”
Regardless of the political squabbles, Parramatta East Public School Principal Justine Miller said the upgrade was welcomed.
“It’s wonderful to see construction progressing on this much-needed upgrade for our school community,” she said.
“We look forward to the project continuing to take shape and seeing our students benefit from these new and improved facilities for many years to come.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.