Eastern Ipswich schools renewal planning begins

Planning for the $134.1 million Eastern Ipswich 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 five schools in the eastern Ipswich 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 the State Government into local schools,” Mr Welford said.

“Architects and project managers have been engaged by my department 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.

Member for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan, 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 recently taken on a bus tour of the new facilities at Stretton State College’s junior campus earlier this month to assist them with planning the renewal of their schools,” Ms Nolan said.

“A feature of the three state primary schools undergoing renewal – Bundamba, Riverview and Silkstone - will be a ‘Learning for Life’ centre with facilities such as a kitchen and laundry to develop life skills.

“Meetings have also been held with the University of Queensland Ipswich Campus to work on developing links with the new, relocated Bremer State High School.”

Member for Bundamba, Jo-Ann Miller, said a leadership centre would also be built at the Bundamba Secondary College to develop leadership skills and opportunities for students across all schools in the area.

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