YAMANTO PREFERRED LOCATION FOR NEW SCHOOL

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today announced that Yamanto was the State Government’s preferred location for a new state-of-the-art state school.

Mr Welford said the new school would be built to replace Amberley State School, which is being forced to close because of the Federal Government’s decision to expand its RAAF base.

“I wrote to Federal Defence Minister Brendan Nelson on 6 August to inform him of our preferred site for the school’s relocation,” Mr Welford said.

“Out of respect for the proper process of cooperation between our Governments, I have made no announcements about the site pending his response which I have not yet received.

“I have been waiting for a response from the Federal Minister, however, today I understand that either the Federal Minister or the Federal Member for Blair have taken it upon themselves to leak to the community my private communication to the Minister about the site.

“I will now proceed to engage the local schools and community members in the design and development of the school. Consultation with the local community will begin tomorrow.

“I want us to develop a new state-of-the-art school for the community which will best meet the needs of local students and their families.

“Of course, the development of the school will depend on the Federal Government honouring its commitment to contribute $26 million to this new school.”

Mr Welford said a parcel of land at Yamanto had been chosen as a preferred site after careful investigation by his department of various sites in the Amberley, Willowbank and Yamanto areas.

“This site is our preferred option because of its proximity to where the majority of Amberley State School students live,” he said.

“It is also anticipated that more Defence Force houses will be constructed close to the site in the future, which will provide further enrolments for the school. The site also has the support of Ipswich City Council.

“While Willowbank was seriously considered as a location for the school, concerns about noise from flight paths and inadequate local infrastructure meant that it was not the preferred location.

“Our Government is committed to providing the best possible outcome for students, parents and the local community.

“We need a new school that will fulfil the long-term needs of the local community.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985