Miles Doing What Matters: Budget boost delivers new classrooms at Rockhampton Special School

• Premier Steven Miles first budget as Premier delivering record investment in the next generation.
• Education budget has delivered a new $18.3 million learning centre at Rockhampton Special School.
• Only the Miles Labor Government is delivering better schools, more teachers and more teacher aides, because that’s what matters to Queenslanders.

The Premier today toured a new two-storey learning centre at Rockhampton Special School, delivered by the Miles Labor Government.

The learning centre includes six learning spaces, a life skills kitchen, a new manual arts building, collaboration spaces, a lift and amenities.

Construction began in 2023 and the centre is expected to be open to students progressively from later this year (2024).

It’s one of 20 major school upgrades being delivered across Central Queensland by the government as part of a record $20.9 billion education budget, to give the next generation the best start in life.

$1 billion of this will be dedicated to building better, more inclusive and accessible learning environments.

In Central Queensland, $90 million will be invested by the Miles Government to maintain, improve and upgrade schools across the region.

Quotes attributable to the Premier: 

“A good start in life matters.

“That’s why I’ve delivered the biggest ever education budget, to build better schools, hire more teachers and more teacher aides.

“Here at Rockhampton Special School, my government has delivered a new dedicated learning centre to give young Queenslanders the opportunity to grow and learn new skills.

“This investment isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about sparking new ideas, opening doors and doing what matters for young Queenslanders.

“I’m proud to lead a government that delivers for Rockhampton and for Central Queensland.” 

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Di Farmer:

“I am delighted students and staff at Rockhampton Special School have this fabulous new facility.

We want all Queensland students to have full and active participation in their education and facilities like these help students with disability realise their full potential.

I thank the school leadership for their stewardship of this important project.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Rocky Barry O’Rourke:

“The Rockhampton Special School is close to the hearts of almost everyone in Rocky and this new modern learning centre will deliver the best opportunities for its students.

“The principal, teachers and staff at the school do such a phenomenal job and they will be able to do an even better job with a fit for purpose learning space to teach in.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:

“I am always amazed at the dedication the staff at Rockhampton Special School have for our local kids.

“They have one of the most important jobs in our local community, and I am so pleased to see our government delivering a brand new learning building for the school."

Quote attributable to Rockhampton Special School Principal Mrs Shelley Shade. 

“Our new learning centre will transform our school as it provides fit-for-purpose and modern learning areas for our students to engage in.

"There is also an outdoor play space in the middle for students and staff to come together to interact throughout the day.

"I have no doubt that our students will love the accessible facilities and will certainly enjoy learning new skills in the kitchen and manual arts room.

"Our school community celebrates diversity and strives to ensure everyone feels welcome, included and supported to reach their full potential. These new facilities help us achieve these goals.”

ENDS