Five Mackay schools remain closed after floods

Five Mackay schools will remain closed tomorrow (Monday 18 February) while flood waters subside and cleaning up is carried out at schools.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said North Mackay State School, Beaconsfield State School, Mackay Christian College, Holy Spirit College, and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School would all be closed to students tomorrow.

“Parents will need to make alternative care arrangements for their children until we are satisfied the schools are safe to re-open,” Mr Welford said.

“We are expecting that Beaconsfield State School and Holy Spirit College will be open to students and staff again on Tuesday, while North Mackay State School, Mackay Christian College and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School should be ready to re-open on Wednesday.

“If required, Emmanuel Catholic Primary School students will be able to access school hours care at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School at North Mackay or MacKillop Catholic Primary School at Andergrove on Monday and Tuesday.

“While the remainder of schools in Mackay will be open, I have been advised that Mackay Transit Coaches will not be running any school bus services in Mackay city tomorrow.

“Parents will need to make alternative transport arrangements for their children.”

All schools in the Mackay region were closed on Friday after heavy rainfall over much of the region.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of principals and staff in the region who have been working hard over the weekend to ensure so many of our schools are able to re-open tomorrow,” Mr Welford said.

“Education authorities have been working closely with local disaster management and emergency services personnel to ensure the safety of staff and students when they return to school.”

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister and Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, said while the majority of schools would be open in the region he advised people stay at home if they had any concerns about road access to schools.

“Some families still may have difficulty accessing roads to get to school and if there are any risks, I would advise they stay at home for the time being,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Our highest priority is the safety and welfare of students, their parents and staff.

“It is far better to act with caution if parents think there is any risk in transporting their children through affected areas to get them to schools.”

Media contact:     Minister Welford’s office – Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985
                                Minister Mulherin’s office – David Potter on 0409 305 662