News
5 October, 2025
Fernvale’s first private school back on track
SOMERSET Regional Council will tender for the sale or lease of land at Fernvale to establish the region’s first private school.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said establishing the private school on Brouff Road in Fernvale would have significant social and economic benefits to the region.
“In 2023, 61 per cent of all school-aged children in Somerset were estimated to reside in the Lowood SA2 (statistical area), which includes Fernvale,” he said.
Council estimates there are 554 high school-aged children currently seeking education outside the region.
“By 2041, there is estimated to be around 1,500 more school-aged residents than there will be enrolment positions available in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“Many parents are seeking private school education for their children, and unless our region can meet this need students and families can only look elsewhere.”
In July 2024, Council sought tenders from education providers but was unable to attract a viable response.
“Council has adjusted its approach to make the tender more attractive to education providers,” Cr Wendt said.
“On feedback, we have revised the tender to allow the sale of the land, which was preferred by some providers over a long-term lease arrangement.”
Council has also recommitted to contributing $5 million or 50 per cent of the total enabling infrastructure costs, whichever is lesser.
This includes the construction of roads, footpaths, stormwater, traffic lights, kerb and channelling, a bus and vehicle drop-off, and upgrades to intersections including state-controlled roads. Additionally, Council will provide $100,000 toward the preparation of a development permit for the establishment of the school.
Cr Wendt said Council engaged consultants to undertake a socio-economic analysis of the Fernvale private school project.
“For every $1 invested by Council to the enabling infrastructure there would be around $36 in economic benefit,” Cr Wendt said.
The establishment of a private school adjacent to the Fernvale Sports Park would also offset the operational and development costs of the facility to Council.
The tenderer would be required to become a stakeholder in the Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee, and make annual contributions to the operations and maintenance of the park.
Information will be publicised in early 2026 when the tender process begins.
