Medowie High School Budget Balloons as Construction Timeline Faces Scrutiny
The projected cost for the new Medowie High School has almost doubled since its initial announcement, escalating from a promised $53 million to more than $96 million according to recent government documents. This significant budget increase has sparked criticism and concern among local representatives and the community regarding the project's financial management and ambitious construction schedule.
From Election Promise to Pricey Project
Originally pledged as a $53 million high school on Ferodale Road during the 2023 state election, the project has undergone substantial changes. Government records now indicate the estimated total cost exceeds $96 million for a new 6.6 hectare site at 6 Abundance Road. This information emerged through a parliamentary call for papers initiated by former NSW education minister Sarah Mitchell, who expressed skepticism about the original budget from the outset.
"I thought it was very unachievable to deliver a new high school in Medowie for $53 million," Ms Mitchell stated. "With a more than $40 million shortfall, the community needs to be asking where the additional money will come from."
Construction Concerns and Timeline Pressures
Construction commenced at the Abundance Road location in September 2025, with the Department of Education targeting completion for Day 1 of Term 1 in 2027. However, this timeline has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding weather allowances and potential delays.
Port Stephens councillor Ben Niland, drawing from his construction industry experience, highlighted concerns about the project's 30-day wet weather allowance. "I think weather is probably the biggest risk I would imagine to getting doors open for term one next year," Cr Niland remarked. "I come from a road construction background where we commonly allow for 30 per cent time lost for wet weather."
Cr Niland further cautioned that the final cost could potentially exceed $100 million before the school opens, citing unforeseen issues that commonly arise during construction projects.
Department Defends Project Management
The Department of Education maintains that the project remains "on budget and on track" for its 2027 opening. A department spokesperson clarified that the initial $53 million estimate was for the original, smaller Ferodale Road site and was never formally costed or approved by the department.
According to departmental explanations, the original figure did not account for numerous essential components including land acquisition, building a larger school facility, final design work, furniture and fixtures, information technology infrastructure, flood and bushfire mitigation measures, and necessary upgrades to roads, footpaths, and utility services.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos reinforced the government's commitment to the project, stating: "After years of being told by the Liberals that a local high school wasn't needed, our government is ensuring families in the growing Medowie community have access to a quality public education close to home."
Site Selection and School Capacity
The relocation from Ferodale Road to Abundance Road resulted from environmental assessments that identified significant biodiversity values at the original location. The new site allows for a school designed to accommodate up to 640 students in its initial stage, with master-planning provisions for expansion to 1,000 students as the community continues to grow.
Department documents indicate construction is scheduled for completion by December 2026, providing a buffer before the planned 2027 opening. Despite the substantial cost increase and timeline concerns, education authorities insist the project represents a necessary investment in the region's educational infrastructure to serve Medowie's expanding population.
