Moves underway for new Amberley State School

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today announced that the State Government planned to relocate Amberley State School to a site at Yamanto.

“I understand there will be some people disappointed that the school cannot be located closer to its current site but there are no suitable sites in the area,” Mr Welford said.

“The Federal Government has confirmed that the Amberley State School will need to be relocated to allow for expansion of the nearby Amberley Air Base.

“In determining the new site for the school, Education Queensland undertook an extensive investigation of possible sites at Willowbank, Yamanto and surrounding areas. In addition, we undertook extensive community consultation to ensure the voices of school families were heard.

“While some Amberley school parents hoped that the school could be relocated in the Willowbank area, the proximity to the current “Investigation Area”, the proposed aero park and industrial area meant this was not a viable long-term option for the school.

“I do not think it would be sensible to locate the school close to a proposed aero park and an already identified multi-modal transport corridor.

“Yamanto is the closest major residential area to the RAAF Base and is home to a large proportion of families whose children attend the current Amberley State School.”

The Commonwealth Government has allocated $26.8 million towards the cost of a new school, which will include the Amberley Community Kindergarten and after-hours school care service.

“Staff and students will have access to state-of-the-art learning facilities and equipment once the new school is built,” Mr Welford said.

“I hope that parents will take an active interest in the planning for the school. They have a unique opportunity to build the type of school they want and that will serve the needs of the local community for many years to come.

“I know that this has been a time of great uncertainty for the school community since the Federal Government announced its plans to expand the Air Base.

“We can now get on with the job of building a new school to service the Amberley State School community.”

It is anticipated Amberley State School students and staff will relocate to the new school in mid-2009.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000