AUD 123 Million School Built on Pastureland — Is Growth-Area Planning Getting Out of Control? — Sydney Auction Clearance Rate at 66%

Weekly Market Focus

A proposed AUD 123 million school campus planned for a rural paddock in Catherine Field, in Sydney’s south-west, is sparking heated debate. The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) is currently reviewing Minarah College’s State Significant Development application. The proposal involves the construction of a K–12 campus accommodating approximately 980 students. Supporters argue the project would help ease the growing shortage of school places in the south-west growth corridor, while opponents question whether the location and timing are appropriate.

Minarah College has operated in Green Valley for more than 20 years, with its existing campus at full capacity and no room for expansion. The school says around 150 students are already on a waiting list for the end of the 2025 academic year, and without a new campus it may be forced to limit future enrolments. According to the college, Catherine Field represents the most suitable expansion site, capable of relieving pressure on the current campus while meeting rising demand from the surrounding community.

However, Camden Council has unanimously opposed the proposal, noting that the land remains zoned for rural use and has not yet been incorporated into formal urban planning frameworks. Infrastructure concerns lie at the heart of the dispute, including narrow roads, the absence of footpaths and street lighting, and the lack of connection to reticulated water and sewer systems. The development would require on-site water tanks and wastewater treatment facilities. Council has expressed concerns that these systems may struggle to meet standards during peak periods or extreme weather events, arguing that proceeding before infrastructure is upgraded carries significant risk.

Supporters, meanwhile, highlight projections that the local population is expected to double by 2036, with education infrastructure already under severe strain — describing parts of the south-west as an “education desert.” The proposed campus would be delivered in stages, including an early learning centre, sporting fields and a multi-purpose hall, and could potentially catalyse broader infrastructure upgrades in the area.

For residents, the issue extends beyond the approval of a single school. It reflects a broader question about urban expansion, the preservation of rural character, and the long-term direction of the community. The IPC has yet to make a final determination.

Last Week’s Auction Results

Sydney: A total of 1,283 properties were taken to auction, with results reported for 810 properties. Of these, 539 were sold, resulting in a clearance rate of 66%. The total auction value reached AUD 646,469,744, with a median price of AUD 1,800,500.

Melbourne: A total of 1,257 properties were taken to auction, with results reported for 955 properties. Among them, 634 were sold, achieving a clearance rate of 66%. The total auction value amounted to AUD 510,765,276, with a median price of AUD 1,050,000.