Infrastructure investment in Townsville schools creating jobs

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Kate Jones visited Kirwan State High School today to inspect progress on infrastructure projects at the school as students returned for Term 4.

The Premier said Townsville schools like Kirwan SHS were benefiting from the Government’s $667 million investment in capital works and maintenance at Queensland schools.

Other works include:

- new $2 million bus stop outside the school, and the new drop and go and car park area

- new $1.4 million shade structure over the quadrangle 

- $600,000 to upgrade the arts building

“The works being undertaken at Kirwan State High School are a great example of my Government’s commitment to creating jobs,” the Premier said.

“In this financial year alone, there is more than $8.5 million worth of school infrastructure projects being undertaken at schools in Townsville.

“In addition, we are committed to a new $50 million state school at Burdell that is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2018 school year.

“These investments are not only providing students with the best-possible learning environments, they are creating jobs right here in Townsville.”

The Premier said she was pleased by the fast-tracking of the new shade structure for the school’s quadrangle.

“Kirwan State High School has been waiting on a covered-area to bring the school together for a long-time,” the Premier said.

“I’m pleased that this project is being accelerated through our Significant Regional Infrastructure Projects Program.

“Designs are complete and currently the school is calling for tenders for this exciting development for the school.”

Ms Jones said the visit to the school was a great opportunity to wish seniors students well in their final term.

“Today, Year 12 students across the state are heading back to school for the last time,” Ms Jones said.

“I want to wish all principals, teachers, school support staff and students the best for Term 4.”

Kirwan SHS Executive Principal Meredith Wenta said she was delighted that the Minister could visit her school.

 “At Kirwan High we provide a high quality education for all students and we are very proud of our students’ achievements,” Ms Wenta said.

 “The recent and future State Government funded facilities improvements have been welcomed by our school community.

“They enhance our capacity to ensure all students receive quality teaching in a safe, supportive and state of the art learning environment.”

 Media contact: Premier's office 3719 7000