The NSW Government announced the sites for a new high school in Flinders and primary school in West Dapto on Thursday to meet growing demand as the Illawarra population rises significantly.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said the new high school in Flinders, which was a Labor 2023 election commitment, will be located at 11 Murray Way, next to Flinders Public School.

No date for its construction has been set yet.

"The announcement of these sites means the communities of West Dapto and Flinders are one step closer to having world-class public education at their doorstep," he said.

"Having access to high-quality public schools close to home can make all the difference for students and their families.

"Communities in the Illawarra region are continuing to grow, and we are making sure they have the essential services they need now and into the future."

The public school and co-located public preschool for West Dapto will be built at Shone Avenue, Wongawilli, close to the growing suburbs of the West Dapto area.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 with the school scheduled to open on Day 1, Term 1, 2029.

The high school will accommodate up to 600 students while the preschool will cater for up to 60 places a day, or 120 children across the week.

Plans for the school include modern classrooms, support learning classrooms and multipurpose shared spaces, plus a library, hall, covered outdoor learning area and a large playground.

The government says it is delivering a record $9 billion in investment for school infrastructure from the 2025-26 Budget, including $2.1b for schools in regional areas, including several projects in the Illawarra:

• Dapto High School – new COLA
• New primary school and public preschool in Calderwood
• Cringila Public School – new public preschool
• Lake Heights Public School – new public preschool
• Berkeley West Public School – new public preschool
• Hayes Park Public School – new public preschool
• Lake Illawarra South Public School – new public preschool
• Barrack Heights Public School – new public preschool

“This is a proud day for our community and it is fantastic to see this investment making a real difference here for local families," said Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson.

“Families are flocking to West Dapto and Flinders. The Illawarra region has always been a great place to raise a family, and with these schools on the way, these suburbs will be even better places to live.

“Our students deserve the very best opportunities and this new school is a vote of confidence in the future of our region.”