Infrastructure boost for central Queensland schools

Minister for Education Grace Grace, Assistant Education Minister and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke have inspected some of the work completed at central Queensland schools over the Christmas holidays.

Ms Grace, Mrs Lauga and Mr O’Rourke today checked-out significant works completed at North Rockhampton State High School, Rockhampton North Special School and Frenchville State School, which formed part of a $7.16 million infrastructure blitz across CQ.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to be investing in local school infrastructure in our state schools to support teaching and learning,” Ms Grace said.

“Whether it’s new fencing, a lick of paint or the refurbishment of amenities and classrooms, these works will give all schools a lift for the 2019 school year.

“The works across central Queensland schools have created approximately 20 full-time jobs which is fantastic for the local economy.”

Mr O’Rourke said seven full-time jobs were supported through work at North Rockhampton State High School.

“North Rockhampton State High School has received $2.75 million worth of refurbishment works to the home economics and D Block buildings,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“This project involved the relocation of the home economics classrooms to the ground floor of L Block and refurbishing the original home economics classrooms in D Block for use as general learning areas.

“The work will provide equitable access for people with disability and improved access for deliveries to the junior home economics classrooms.”

Mr O’Rourke said $2.4 million had been injected into Rockhampton North Special School, creating six full-time jobs.

“This investment includes two buildings, each housing two new classrooms, two multipurpose rooms, two withdrawal rooms, equitable access amenities and separate staff toilets,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“The works completed over the holidays also delivered a life skills kitchen featuring height adjustable benches.”

Mrs Lauga said Frenchville State School had also welcomed renewal works valued at $330,000.

“The projects included roof replacements to Prep Classroom Blocks P and Q, an external re-paint, replacement of stairs to D Block, installation of external lights to S Block and the installation of storeroom power points,” Mrs Lauga said.

Ms Grace said she was excited to see first-hand the progress made during the school holiday period.  

“The Palaszczuk Government has a proven track record of delivering for Queensland schools and this important maintenance and refurbishment work will continue during 2019,” Ms Grace said.

“In 2018–19, we are delivering an overall infrastructure investment program across the state valued at more than $923 million.”

Media contact: Laura McKee - 0451 997 920