Wee Waa High School: plans 'on track' for new multi-million school after old site was contaminated by mould

The minister announced in June that the government would build the new school adjacent to the town's public school after more than 50 members of the school community became ill with a mysterious mould-related illness.

"From all reports that I've had so far, things are on track, we know how important it is to get that school built as quickly as we can," Ms Mitchell said.

"When we made the original announcement I did make it clear that we need to go through the appropriate developmental processes in terms of the SEARs [Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements] and the DPIE [Department of Primary Industry and Environment] requirements.

"I haven't been given any indication that we're not on the schedule that we wanted to see."

The multi-million dollar project is still in its planning stages, with comprehensive assessments finished, SEARs received and a Tender for Early Contractor Involvement released.

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A Department of Education spokesperson said the next steps include assessing tender applications and awarding the contract.

A State Significant Development (SSD) application must also be completed, and the concept design is yet to be finalised.

The department has identified its preferred site adjacent to Wee Waa Public School on Mitchell Street, despite concerns from the community that the low-lying area is prone to water lying on it.

The high school will continue to operate from the temporary set up at Wee Waa Public School until the project is completed.

In the NSW 2021/22 Budget, $37.83 million was invested into building the new school, with construction due to begin in early 2022 and forecast for completion by the end of 2022.

The new school will include "modern, open spaces", a library and multipurpose hall, a new Aboriginal learning centre, new agricultural and environment centre and sporting courts and fields.

The Department did not respond to questions on an ongoing investigation on the source of the illnesses.

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