While the exact amount will be finalised once final design plans are confirmed, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams’ office confirmed the funding would be for bricks and mortar.

Principal Jock Garven said he was still awaiting more details on the exact amount the school would receive.

“We are aware of an allocation for an upgrade of facilities at Lake Cathie Public School in this year’s budget,” he said.

“We are quite excited as to what that could mean but it could see us further develop (our facilities) to cater for the growth in our area.”

That growth has seen the school begin two years ago with a school population of some 81 students. Last year enrolments topped 150 students with 230 students at the school in 2017.

Mr Garven confirmed that the school is forecast to cater for about 280 students next year.

“And we are looking at 340 to 250 students the following year,” he said. “So we are growing in relation to the growth (and expected growth) in the community.”

That growth includes the release of several large residential developments.

Mr Garven said the budget boost would be a nice piece of news in relation to the growing needs of the local community.

The school principal said once more detail was available, the school’s stakeholders would be part of the process.

“Certainly with this new infrastructure building within NSW, and particularly within the school system, there is a large amount of stakeholder input.

“And our P and C will be having some input into what is developed here at the school."