Preferred site for Amberley school relocation announced
Published Monday, 06 October, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
The State Government has confirmed that its preferred site for the relocation of Amberley State School is at Deebing Creek Road, Yamanto.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the site was chosen after an extensive search of sites in the area.
“This site at Yamanto is our Government’s preferred position for the new school because it’s centrally located in a residential area, giving nearby children the ability to safely ride or walk to school.
“More than half a dozen sites were investigated and this site was found to be the most suitable.
“With the proposed expansion of the Amberley RAAF Base next year, the Amberley State School must be moved to another location.
“The Federal Government has committed $26.83 million to relocate the school.
“We are in the process of acquiring the land at Yamanto and we will be working as quickly as possible to get the school ready for the enrolment of students.
“The first stage of consultation is now underway to acquire the land and there will be further consultation and detailed discussions with the local community to address issues around noise, traffic and the environment.
“The school will share a boundary with the nearby Winston Glades Hotel, but its proximity will be addressed to ensure the school and its students are totally separated from neighbouring commercial development.
“It is a large site which will be treated with a significant visual and noise buffer zone, with classrooms sited well-distant from the hotel. The buffer zone will also be treed and include an appropriate fence.”
Mr Welford said the Amberley school community would be also closely involved in the planning for the school, with the school community providing input on uniforms, naming the school and other aspects of planning.
Member for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan, welcomed the announcement of the Government’s preferred site for the school.
“The new primary school at Yamanto will have the best facilities of any primary school in the state, and it will be of enormous benefit to the growing local community,” Ms Nolan said.
“It will be the first time that Yamanto and Flinders View families will have access to a brand new school with state-of-the-art facilities.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the site was chosen after an extensive search of sites in the area.
“This site at Yamanto is our Government’s preferred position for the new school because it’s centrally located in a residential area, giving nearby children the ability to safely ride or walk to school.
“More than half a dozen sites were investigated and this site was found to be the most suitable.
“With the proposed expansion of the Amberley RAAF Base next year, the Amberley State School must be moved to another location.
“The Federal Government has committed $26.83 million to relocate the school.
“We are in the process of acquiring the land at Yamanto and we will be working as quickly as possible to get the school ready for the enrolment of students.
“The first stage of consultation is now underway to acquire the land and there will be further consultation and detailed discussions with the local community to address issues around noise, traffic and the environment.
“The school will share a boundary with the nearby Winston Glades Hotel, but its proximity will be addressed to ensure the school and its students are totally separated from neighbouring commercial development.
“It is a large site which will be treated with a significant visual and noise buffer zone, with classrooms sited well-distant from the hotel. The buffer zone will also be treed and include an appropriate fence.”
Mr Welford said the Amberley school community would be also closely involved in the planning for the school, with the school community providing input on uniforms, naming the school and other aspects of planning.
Member for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan, welcomed the announcement of the Government’s preferred site for the school.
“The new primary school at Yamanto will have the best facilities of any primary school in the state, and it will be of enormous benefit to the growing local community,” Ms Nolan said.
“It will be the first time that Yamanto and Flinders View families will have access to a brand new school with state-of-the-art facilities.”
Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000