Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has welcomed the announcement of an additional $50 million under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme to fund new classrooms and facilities in non-government schools.

Mr Bromhead said the additional funding over the next four years will be allocated in the upcoming NSW Budget 2015-16 for non-government school capital works, and represents a 100 per cent increase under the scheme.

“Non-government schools in Myall Lakes will be able to apply for funding under the scheme which is directed towards low to medium fee independent and Catholic schools,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Demand for school places is increasing across the State and this funding recognises the significant role non-government schools will play in meeting that challenge.”

Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli said the new commitment means the NSW Government is now providing more than $24 million under the scheme each year to support enrolment growth in non-government schools.

Mr Piccoli said the budget provides funding to non-government schools in a number of programs, including:

recurrent per capita grants

additional needs-based Gonski funding

capital assistance

assisted school travel program

“This is in addition to funding of more than $450 million in 2015-16 for public school education infrastructure which will boost facilities right across NSW,” Mr Piccoli said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is investing in increased school capacity across all sectors.”