FUNDING TO EXTEND HIGHFIELDS KINDERGARTEN

The Beattie Government will provide funding of $68,000 for a major extension to Highfields and District Kindergarten to ensure it can cater to an increased demand for places.

Announcing the funding during a Community Cabinet meeting in Toowoomba today, Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the funding was in addition to a recent $50,000 State Government grant for the kindergarten.

“This building project is very important to the Highfields community as it will more than double the number of children who can attend the centre,” Mr Welford said.

“At present, about 64 young children go to the kindergarten up to three days a week. When the extension - which includes a new classroom and an outside area - is completed by mid-2007, about 146 students will be able to attend the centre.

“With high population growth in the area, and the statewide introduction of the Prep year in 2007, these expanded facilities will be well used.

“Our Government is pleased to be able to contribute to such an important community project that will help get children on the kindy’s waiting list through its doors.”

Member for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, said the extension to the kindergarten would be in the same style as the existing 17-year-old building that has been home to the local Community Kindergarten Association since 1989.

“The new block will be located next to the current kindergarten building and will include

a classroom, a teacher’s office, toilets, storeroom and small-sized cupboards that small children can easily access,” Shine said.

“A new outdoor recreation area, covered by shade cloth, will also be developed and the existing kitchen will be expanded to twice its current size.

“In addition to this funding from our Government, the Highfields and District Kindergarten will contribute about $282,000 towards the project.

“This includes $48,000 generated through fundraising by the association, which is a significant achievement.”

The total cost of the new works at the Bloodwood site is about $400,000.

Media contact:
Minister Welford’s office – 3237 1000
Minister Shine’s office – 3239 3478