QBUILD LAUNCHES SCHOOL CLEAN-UP AFTER STORMS

QBuild has carried out repairs worth more than $270,000 to storm and flood damaged schools and other community facilities in South East Queensland, with more work anticipated.

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today QBuild was coordinating repairs to nine schools at this stage but flooding continued to prevent inspections in some areas.

So far QBuild has been called to the Beechmont, Currumbin Valley, Darlington, Hillview, Ingleside, Kenmore South, Killarney, Kruger and Numinbah Valley schools, as well as the Numinbah Correctional Centre and the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre.

“Storms and flooding left some school sites covered in debris and mud and a number without power,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The Ingleside State School, with damage valued at $98,000, and Numinbah Valley State School, damaged to the tune of $76,000, were among the hardest hit,” he said.

“Damage to the Ingleside school included the carpark being washed away, boundary fences lost, and fridges and stoves going underwater.

“At the Numinbah Valley school, the task confronting QBuild included clearing debris from the entire school and residence sites, removing mud from all downstairs areas under school buildings, repairing damaged fences, and restoring the power supply.

“Meanwhile, a contractor has been arranged to remove a 30-metre gumtree that fell on to the oval at the Kenmore State School,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said the cost of restoring power, repairing or replacing pumps, and servicing an on-site sewage treatment plant at the Numinbah Correctional Centre was put at $9000.

“There’s been water damage to the ceiling of the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre and a tarpaulin has been fitted until further repairs can be carried out,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said QBuild would make full inspections once all storm-affected areas could be reached.

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