|Greens MP for Balmain Kobi Shetty has welcomed construction commencing on the long-awaited Orange Grove Public School upgrades, reflecting on the community campaign that helped save the schools green space.
Work is now progressing on the major upgrade, which will deliver eight new permanent classrooms, a new school hall and canteen, improved learning spaces and upgraded facilities.
The commencement of construction marks an important milestone after years of advocacy from the Orange Grove school community.
In 2022, parents and local residents raised serious concerns about a proposed masterplan that would have seen new buildings constructed over the school’s much-loved western green space.
The P&C, Save Orange Grove, and the wider community came together to call for the Department of Education to reconsider the plans and protect the open green space.
Following sustained community advocacy, the masterplan was revised in consultation with the school community. The final plans preserve the green space while delivering the additional classrooms and facilities the school needs.
Once the upgrade is completed and the temporary demountable classrooms are removed, students are also expected to have more usable green space than they do today.
Kobi Shetty MP for Balmain said:
"It’s wonderful to see work finally underway on this much-needed upgrade for Orange Grove Public School.
“This is also an important moment to reflect on the incredible campaign led by parents, the P&C, Save Orange Grove and the wider school community to protect this precious green space.
“When the original plans emerged, our community made it very clear that we wanted better facilities for our kids without losing the open space that is such an important part of school life.
“I was proud to work alongside the school community to make sure those concerns were heard and to push for a better plan.
“Students will now get the new classrooms and improved facilities they need, while the western green space remains protected for current and future generations.
“As a parent with kids at Orange Grove, I know how much this school and its green space mean to local families. I’m really looking forward to seeing the upgrade take shape over the coming years.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen.”
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