New Calliope school gains momentum

Construction has begun on Calliope’s new multi-million dollar high school with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher turning the first sod today.

The Premier said today was an important and exciting milestone for the community.

“This school has been a long time coming for the Calliope community and I am so pleased to be delivering on our commitment to build it,” the Premier said.

“The community here is well aware of the history and that the land was going to be sold under the former LNP government in 2013, so it’s a great day to stand here at the start of construction of a brand new school.

“We’re investing $66.6 million to build the school, which is keeping pace with the growing local community and which will also create 180 full time jobs over the course of the project.

“I’d particularly like to recognise Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher who has backed this community all the way and been instrumental in getting this school built.”

Mr Butcher said the school on Don Cameron Drive was being built by construction firm Paynters Pty Ltd with Stage One expected to open in January 2020.

“I look forward to seeing the inaugural students walk through the gates,” Mr Butcher said.

“The Calliope community has been crying out for a high school to service the township for years, and the Palaszczuk Government has listened.

“There are some 360 state secondary students living in Calliope and nearby areas who predominantly attend Gladstone or Toolooa State High Schools, with a small number of students attending Tannum Sands State High School or taking part in distance education.

“Establishing a high school in Calliope students’ own backyard is great news for them and their families.”

Minister Grace said the school would be built in stages, with 200 students in Years 7 and 8 to walk through the gates in 2020.

“Stage One is an investment of $42.46 million, consisting of an admin building, resource centre and hall,” Ms Grace said.

“Stage Two ($16.5 million) will be ready for the start of the 2022 school year, catering for an additional 240 students.

“The school will grow by approximately 100 students per year to approximately 800 students over the longer term.”

Ms Grace said the school is one of eight opening in Queensland in 2020.

“During 2019, the Palaszczuk Government is investing $470 million to build new schools in some of our most rapidly expanding communities across the state,” Ms Grace said.

“This includes an exciting state secondary college in Fortitude Valley; new secondary schools in Coomera, Mango Hill, Yarrabilba and Ripley Valley Providence; a new primary school in Ripley Valley Providence; and a new special school in Caboolture.

“These projects will drive Queensland communities by supporting almost 1400 jobs.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Premier’s Office- Shane Doherty – 0439 624 473

Minister Grace’s Office- Laura McKee 0451 997 920