ASBESTOS ROOF PROGRAM REACHES 600 MARK

The State Government today announced the $120 million Asbestos Roof Replacement Program (ARRP) would pass the 600 milestone this weekend.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the program was a great example of the Government delivering on its commitment to Queenslanders.

“We have been working hard to get these roofs replaced as quickly as possible and the rate of progress is a credit to all involved, Mr Welford said.

“This weekend, weather permitting, we will pass the 600 mark – and that means almost two-thirds of the program will be complete in less than 18 months since it began.

“Work is being carried out this weekend on five school roofs in the Brisbane area at Acacia Ridge State School (1 roof); Bardon State School (1 roof); Cleveland State School (1 roof) Mayfield State School (1 roof); Narangba State School (1 roof).

“In addition, two roofs will be replaced at the Aitkenvale State School in the Townsville area, and one roof at the Amamoor State School in the Gympie region.

“Our Government is the first in the state’s history to comprehensively address this issue and provide funding to replace every asbestos roof in every Queensland state school.

“We have been able to accelerate the program by getting specialist tradesmen on-board to work weekends, as well as school holidays.”

Mr Welford said planning was currently underway to replace a further 69 asbestos roofs during the December/January summer school holidays.

“Tenders have been called for this work to be undertaken in December and January when students are not present,” he said.

“This will take the number of roofs replaced under the Asbestos Roof Replacement Program to more than 680 by the start of the 2007 school year.

“However, to achieve these targets we are relying on continuing fine weather and the availability of skilled tradesmen.”

Media contact: Greg Milne on 32371000