Published Thursday, 18 January, 2007 at 04:21 PM

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
ACTING PREMIER VISITS NEW REDLYNCH STATE COLLEGE
18 January 2007
Acting Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Anna Bligh, today joined Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall for a tour of the new state-of-the-art Middle School at the Redlynch State College campus.
The new school opens its doors to students later this month when school returns.
Ms Bligh said $16.35 million of construction work had now been committed on the multi-million project.
“About 240 Years 7 and 8 students are expected to attend the new facilities this year, with their first day on 29 January,” Ms Bligh said.
“Stage one of the new school includes classrooms, an executive administration and student services centre, canteen and resource and technology services centre.
“The college is set to have a vibrant cultural life, with five classrooms for creative technologies, and two for performing arts and music.
“The school is also equipped with two classrooms for special education and a staff centre. Sporting facilities include an oval and new playing courts.
“The new school is an initiative of the Cairns Education Renewal Program – a major investment in school facilities in the region,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Cairns Education Renewal Program involved an enormous amount of consultation with schools and school communities over the past three years.
“During the consultation process the government promised to accelerate the construction of Redlynch College and build the new Kuranda District State College and both commitments have been honoured with Kuranda State College also opening on 29 January.
“I congratulate the Cairns school communities for their involvement in the renewal program which ensures Cairn’s families can access relevant and up-to-date educational initiatives,” Ms Bligh said.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said Redlynch State College would meet growing enrolment demand in the area.
“There has been much anticipation of the new college campus in the Redlynch community,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“Redlynch State College demonstrates the Beattie Government’s commitment to building a modern education system that equips our young people for the challenges of the 21st century,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“The facilities offered at the college will help students receive quality cultural and academic experience at the school.
“I welcome all the students attending in 2007 and hope they and their families enjoy their association with the school.”
Stage two of Redlynch State College will cater for Year 9 enrolments in 2008 and includes the construction of eight additional classrooms and a separate library building.
Ms Bligh said Cairns residents could also look forward to the opening of the $14.79 million Isabella State School in Edmonton on January 29.
The new Prep to Year 7 school is expected to welcome around 110 students this school year, 25 of whom are in Year One.
The State Government provided $9.35 million towards stage one of Redlynch State College and $7.79 million towards construction of Isabella State School. The Commonwealth Government contributed $7 million towards stage one of Redlynch State College and $7 million towards Isabella State School.
The Cairns City Council will contribute $400,000 for external infrastructure, including car/bus set downs and car parking at Redlynch State College.
Redlynch State School, situated across the road from the new Redlynch State College, will this year cater for students from Prep to Year 6.
Redlynch State College will cater for Years 7 to 12 students from 2011.
Media contact:
A/Premiers office - Steve Keating 322 44379 John Algate 322 45982
Mr Wettenhall’s office 4038 2800
Acting Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Anna Bligh, today joined Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall for a tour of the new state-of-the-art Middle School at the Redlynch State College campus.
The new school opens its doors to students later this month when school returns.
Ms Bligh said $16.35 million of construction work had now been committed on the multi-million project.
“About 240 Years 7 and 8 students are expected to attend the new facilities this year, with their first day on 29 January,” Ms Bligh said.
“Stage one of the new school includes classrooms, an executive administration and student services centre, canteen and resource and technology services centre.
“The college is set to have a vibrant cultural life, with five classrooms for creative technologies, and two for performing arts and music.
“The school is also equipped with two classrooms for special education and a staff centre. Sporting facilities include an oval and new playing courts.
“The new school is an initiative of the Cairns Education Renewal Program – a major investment in school facilities in the region,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Cairns Education Renewal Program involved an enormous amount of consultation with schools and school communities over the past three years.
“During the consultation process the government promised to accelerate the construction of Redlynch College and build the new Kuranda District State College and both commitments have been honoured with Kuranda State College also opening on 29 January.
“I congratulate the Cairns school communities for their involvement in the renewal program which ensures Cairn’s families can access relevant and up-to-date educational initiatives,” Ms Bligh said.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said Redlynch State College would meet growing enrolment demand in the area.
“There has been much anticipation of the new college campus in the Redlynch community,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“Redlynch State College demonstrates the Beattie Government’s commitment to building a modern education system that equips our young people for the challenges of the 21st century,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“The facilities offered at the college will help students receive quality cultural and academic experience at the school.
“I welcome all the students attending in 2007 and hope they and their families enjoy their association with the school.”
Stage two of Redlynch State College will cater for Year 9 enrolments in 2008 and includes the construction of eight additional classrooms and a separate library building.
Ms Bligh said Cairns residents could also look forward to the opening of the $14.79 million Isabella State School in Edmonton on January 29.
The new Prep to Year 7 school is expected to welcome around 110 students this school year, 25 of whom are in Year One.
The State Government provided $9.35 million towards stage one of Redlynch State College and $7.79 million towards construction of Isabella State School. The Commonwealth Government contributed $7 million towards stage one of Redlynch State College and $7 million towards Isabella State School.
The Cairns City Council will contribute $400,000 for external infrastructure, including car/bus set downs and car parking at Redlynch State College.
Redlynch State School, situated across the road from the new Redlynch State College, will this year cater for students from Prep to Year 6.
Redlynch State College will cater for Years 7 to 12 students from 2011.
Media contact:
A/Premiers office - Steve Keating 322 44379 John Algate 322 45982
Mr Wettenhall’s office 4038 2800