Community invited to name new Innisfail educational precinct

The Bligh Government today invited Innisfail residents to help choose a name for the new $36.7 million State Schools of Tomorrow educational precinct due to open in 2010.

Mr Welford said the exciting concept would see secondary school and TAFE students sharing new and re-modelled buildings in a $36.7 million learning community on the Innisfail TAFE site.

“This is a learning precinct for the entire community so it’s important that the local community has a say in its name by submitting their ideas,” Mr Welford said.

“This project is part of the $850 million State Schools of Tomorrow project and it will involve bringing together secondary, vocational, special and adult education in a unique configuration.

“The Bligh Government is planning for and managing growth – building and rebuilding Queensland’s infrastructure to improve services for the Smart State’s students.

“Integrating the high school and TAFE has obvious benefits, at a time when increasing numbers of secondary students are undertaking school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The project involves transforming existing TAFE buildings, expanding the campus building zone by 1.15 hectares and building new centres for sport and performing arts, which have capacity for 300 seats.

“The redevelopment will include larger, flexible classrooms and science and computer laboratories and a new Inclusive Education Centre, which will provide support for students with special needs. Linking the new and existing campus will be a large open, landscaped plaza where staff and students can relax between classes.”

Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt said the Government had consulted extensively with the local community about the development.

“Local residents were supportive and enthusiastic about the TAFE site option and the new facilities which will also include provision for a cyclone shelter,” Mr Pitt said.

“TAFE facilities will also receive renewal, with a new combined TAFE/school resource centre offering the latest in video conferencing facilities.

“I encourage residents to have input into the name of the precinct and consider the possibility of incorporating words that reflect the location and community.”

Nominations for the name of the precinct close on 28 November 2008. Community members can access information on the project at http://education.qld.gov.au/tomorrows-schools/ssot-projects.html and can email nominations to tomorrows-schools@deta.qld.gov.au or post to Innisfail Name Nominations, Tomorrow’s Schools, PO Box 15033, City East Queensland 4002.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985