Construction underway at Townsville Community Learning Centre

A new $4 million classroom block is taking shape at Townsville Community Learning Centre, providing new opportunities for students with disability and ensuring Townsville has the capacity to cater for future enrolment growth.  

Inspecting the project today, Disability Services Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the new classrooms would help meet growing demand and provide more opportunities for local students and families.

“The Townsville Community Learning Centre does wonderful work supporting local students with disability, and is a corner stone in our community,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Construction on the new building, containing seven classrooms, is well underway and is expected to be complete in November.

“Townsville’s population of younger families is on the rise, and this new block of classrooms will help to meet demand into the future.

“Our commitment to education and quality school facilities is evident in this year’s State Budget, with our record $667 million school infrastructure program which is upgrading and expanding schools across the state.”

Mrs O’Rourke said local contractor Jackson and Semler had been appointed to deliver the project, which has created up to 20 local jobs.

“We know that by investing in our schools we are also investing in our communities, and this funding is creating valuable jobs for local tradies and training opportunities for apprentices during construction,” she said.

“Townsville needs jobs and through this funding, as well as our Back to Work package detailed in our State Budget, we will create local opportunities and help bring confidence back to our region.

“This project is testament to that commitment.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the opportunities available for students with disability had grown significantly with the introduction of the NDIS, which started locally with an early launch for young people under 18 years in January.

“The NDIS will support local people with disability to live the lives they choose, to chase their dreams with appropriate support, and no be bound by what others perceive they can achieve,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Over the past few months I have been lucky enough to meet several families in the Townsville region who have told me stories about how the NDIS has changed their lives.

“It’s exciting to know that these success stories will continue to multiply.”

For more information on the school infrastructure program visit www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/

For more information on the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA Hotline on 1800 800 110.

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office    3719 7184