Inala-Durack school renewal planning begins

Planning for the $69.5 million Inala-Durack State Schools of Tomorrow project has begun with project managers and architects meeting with schools to develop master plans for each site.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said six schools in the Inala-Durack area would undergo major renewal works over the coming year to improve facilities and bring them into line with 21^st century learning needs.

“This is a major investment by our Government into schools in the Inala and Durack areas,” Mr Welford said.

“Architects and project managers have been engaged to work with school communities over the coming months to develop master plans.

“New facilities will include bigger and more flexible classrooms, modern information and communication technologies, and undercover play areas.

“The project managers will work with each school community to ensure the new facilities are relevant to each school’s special needs.”

Mr Welford said principals had worked both within their schools and together at two planning workshops held recently to develop education plans for the schools.

“These education plans will be used to inform the renewal planning process,” he said. “Strong themes emerged at the planning workshops including the celebration of cultural diversity and embedding the latest technology.”

Member for Inala, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said once the draft master plans were completed, the Parents and Citizens Association at each school would be given the opportunity to offer input before they were finalised.

“Parents and some staff from the primary schools were also taken on a bus tour of the new facilities at Stretton State College’s junior campus earlier this month to help them with planning the renewal of their schools,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The four state primary schools undergoing renewal – Durack, Inala, Richlands East and Serviceton South – will each have new ‘Learning for Life’ centres with facilities such as a kitchen and laundry to develop life skills.

“There are plans to double the size of the hall at Glenala State High School to offer a large venue for schools in the area and for community events. And the Western Suburbs Special School will have a new work skills centre with modern design and production facilities.”

The renewal works will be completed in time for the start of the 2010 school year.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000