Caravonica State School car park opened for Term 2

Caravonica State School today (Thursday) celebrated the official opening of its new $3.8 million car park, in time for the start of Term 2.

Minister for Emergency Services and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the new 110-space car park was a welcome addition for the school community.

“I am proud to be part of a Government that is listening and delivering for our local community here in Cairns,” Mr Crawford said.

“The Caravonica State School community has been calling for improved car parking for many years and the Palaszczuk Government has helped to make it a reality.”

Mr Crawford – representing Education Minister Grace Grace - said the Palaszczuk had contributed $1.5 million to the project, with local developer Botanica and Cairns Regional Council also making substantial contributions.

“The old school carpark was on the other side of the highway, making drop off and pick up times challenging for parents and students.

“But now the school community will be able to use 110 parking spaces right next to the school grounds. There’s also a large Stop, Drop and Go area, and a designated bus stop.

“The works also included the construction of covered walkways to the school and an upgrade of the school’s entry.”

Mr Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government had also funded the school’s new $1.5 million flood levee.

“Caravonica State School is quite flood-prone so a levee was installed to protect the school during heavy rain events,” he said.

“The levee performed well during recent heavy rain, helping to divert flood waters away from classrooms.

“As well as the new carpark and flood levee, Caravonica State School is also looking forward to the completion of its $4.5 million multipurpose hall, which is currently under construction.

“It’s a two-storey hall with a multipurpose court, stage area, kitchen, storage rooms, multipurpose room and office all elevated on the second floor.

“The area underneath the hall has been designed as a shaded eating and play area for the students.”

Caravonica State School Principal Michelle Davis said the school community was delighted with the new car park.

“We have been lobbying for a new car park next to the school for a while now so it’s really wonderful to see this all take shape,” Ms Davis said.

“The new flood levee has also passed its first test by preventing school buildings from flooding.

“It is going to save us a huge amount of time and effort preparing for flooding and cleaning up afterwards.

“We’re incredibly grateful our new two-storey multipurpose hall is also being built to cater for the possibility of flooding.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to delivering world-class education facilities for all Queensland students.

“Our Government is delivering a state wide Infrastructure Investment program valued at more than $778 million during 2017-18,” Ms Grace said.

“The works completed at Caravonica State School are part of $48.9 million being invested in schools in the Far North Queensland region this financial year.”

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