FAMILIES whose children attend the Hunter's Catholic schools will see the building levy rise by $260 next year, as the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle embarks on a record infrastructure spend.
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However the Independent Education Union said the diocese should be selling some of its assets to fund the works.
The Catholic Schools Office is expected to advise families this week that the Diocesan Family School Building Levy (DFSBL), which funds major refurbishments, capital works and the development of new schools, will rise to $1250 per family in 2020, up from $990 this year, $750 in 2018 and $600 in 2017.
Diocese chief executive Sean Scanlon said the levy was reviewed annually, in accordance with current and projected projects and enrolment figures.
He said it predominantly repays loans serviced by the Catholic Development Fund for existing building infrastructure.
"We are very grateful to our school communities, particularly parents and carers, who through their financial contributions ensure our schools operate effectively," he said.
Across NSW, parents at Catholic schools pay for 90 per cent of capital works.
"The levy enables our diocese to fund one of the strongest capital works program across Catholic schools in NSW and is delivering improved facilities for young people across all our schools," he said.
"It's not simply about bricks and mortar; it's about creating spaces that will inspire the leaders of tomorrow."
Mr Scanlon said the diocese was expected to spend more than $92 million on school infrastructure in 2020, in addition to $4 million in government funding.
By comparison, it spent $107 million on school infrastructure from 2016 to 2019, which was combined with $32 million from the government.
During this period it increased enrolments by 755 students, opened two high schools and expanded two schools. It will open a high school in Medowie in 2021.
Independent Education Union NSW ACT organiser Therese Fitzgibbon said the Australian Catholic Church was one of the world's richest religious organisations.
"The Catholic Church has plenty of money, I don't think investment should only occur by dragging money out of families and workers," she said.
"Costs are consistently borne by parents, families and workers rather than the organisation itself."
She said the diocese should consider "selling off some resources".
The Herald reported last year the diocese had spent $38 million on property over five years.
Ms Fitzgibbon said the $260 levy increase would hit low-income families hard when coupled with other fees.
Tuition fees didn't increase in 2019, but will rise by $42 in 2020 to $1275 for primary schoolers and $1740 for years seven to 10. Fees will rise by $81 to $2640 for years 11 and 12.
The voluntary pastoral contribution will remain at $300.
Families also pay individual school resource and service fees.
CSO acting director Gerard Mowbray said some families - including in the drought-affected Upper Hunter - would be exempt from the levy increase.
"No child will be denied a Catholic education because of a family's genuine inability to pay."
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