Three out of four new schools being built on Gold Coast in 2008-09 State Budget

Two new primary schools and a high school will be built in the Gold Coast region over the coming year, as part of the Bligh Government’s $82.4 million investment in new schools in the 2008-09 State Budget.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the three new schools, two in Ormeau and one in Oxenford, would support the educational needs of families in the rapidly-growing Brisbane-Gold Coast corridor.

“Work has begun on the $17 million first stage of a 31-classroom primary school and the $24.3 million first stage of a 26-classroom high school at Ormeau,” Mr Welford said.

“Planning is also underway for the $22.7 million first stage of a 29-classroom primary school at Oxenford.

‘’We anticipate that these schools are due to be open by 2009.’’

The fourth school will be built in Brisbane’s north at a cost of $18.4 million.

Details of the new Gold Coast schools include:

• P-7 school in the Oxenford West area.
• Located on Reserve Rd Upper Coomera
• Construction is yet to commence on site.

• P-7 school in Cupania
• Located on Halfway Drive, Ormeau (Cupania)
• Detailed design progressing. Bulk earthworks complete.

• 8-12 school in Ormeau
• Located on Goldmine Rd, Ormeau
• Detailed design progressing
• Land being cleared.

Mr Welford said the Gold Coast is the fastest-growing area of the State with some 47,000 students enrolled in state schools this year. In the 10-year period to 2008, state school enrolments on the Gold Coast have increased by almost 33 percent.

“Our Government aims to ensure our school building projects keep pace with this growth and students have the best possible facilities to support their education.”

Mr Welford said the new primary school at Ormeau would ultimately cater for 1000 students, the high school would have capacity for 1500 students and the primary school at Oxenford for 1000 students.

“The Oxenford primary school and the Ormeau high school will also include a special education unit to support students with special needs,” Mr Welford said.

To help care for the environment, all three schools will incorporate the use of rainwater tanks for flushing toilets. The rainwater tanks will be built in accordance with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts’ statement on sustainability - ‘Enough for all forever’.

Minister for Child Safety and Women and Member for Albert, Margaret Keech, welcomed the investment in education in the northern Gold Coast region.

“These three schools will further strengthen educational opportunities for local students in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions,” Mrs Keech said.

“Together with the new Coomera Springs State School opened this year, local families will have access to some of the most modern and hi-tech schools in Australia.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000