10 new Queensland schools to begin construction

Published Tuesday, 17 December, 2013 at 11:30 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls

Acting Minister for Education, Training and Employment
The Honourable Ian Walker

The biggest schools planning project in Queensland’s history has taken another significant step, with the Newman Government today announcing Plenary Schools has been chosen to deliver 10 new schools.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the innovative public-private partnership was part of the Government’s commitment to delivering better infrastructure and planning for Queensland families.

“These 10 new schools, built in key South-East Queensland growth spots are another way we’re securing Queensland’s future, revitalising front line services for families” Mr Nicholls said.

“The five-year construction phase, due to begin early next year will boost economic activity, generating around 1,700 jobs a year, and providing a much-needed boost to one of Queensland’s economic pillars.

“Not only will this project deliver value for money for Queensland taxpayers, but importantly it also improves educational outcomes by allowing principals and teachers to concentrate on education while maintenance and upkeep of the facilities is taken care of.”

Acting Education, Training and Employment Minister Ian Walker said the 10 new schools would consist of two secondary and eight primary schools, catering for around 10,000 students during peak periods of enrolment.

“The Newman Government is continuing to achieve better education outcomes for Queensland families, after 20 years of failed Labor policies and red tape which choked the sector,” Mr Walker said.

“As well as servicing our rapidly growing student population, the schools will employ over 500 teachers and 130 non-teaching positions, with the first schools expected to be open for the commencement of the 2015 academic year.

“Two new schools will be built in Caboolture, and others will be built in Pimpama, Burpengary, Pallara, Ripley Valley, Springfield, Griffin, Bellbird Park and Redbank Plains.”

Under the public private partnership, Plenary Schools will design, construct, commission, finance, maintain and provide facilities management services for the schools, which will operate as Independent Public Schools, until 2043.

The Department of Education, Training and Employment will oversee the delivery of the new schools and the ongoing contract management.

Further information is available at the Projects Queensland website by following the Queensland Schools Project link.

[ENDS] 17 December 2013

Media contact: Treasurer’s Office – (07) 3719 7200

                        Education Minister’s Office – (07) 3237 1000