BUSY 2009 FOR STATE SCHOOL MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL WORKS

Classes are in recess but the hard work continues building tomorrow’s Queensland at State schools over the summer holidays.

Premier Anna Bligh said more than 850 maintenance projects at a cost of more than $12 million were now underway throughout Queensland to ready schools for the return of students in 2009.

“More than $7.8 million was also being spent on 78 projects delivering extra classrooms over the summer break,” she said.

Ms Bligh today inspected the site at Bundamba State School where renewal works are underway to modernise classrooms as part of the Government’s $850 million State Schools of Tomorrow initiative.

“This is just one example of the more than 60,000 projects being undertaken in Queensland schools as part of Education Queensland’s record $532 million works program in 2008/09,” Ms Bligh said.

“We are giving education in Ipswich a real boost. In this area alone, more than $134 million will be spent on renewal and construction over the next two years that will include a new high school to replace Bremer State High School on a new site to be announced soon.”

“We’re ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of Queensland students now and into the future, particularly in high growth areas like this one.

“On the northern Gold Coast three brand new schools will open their doors in January 2009, with another set to open at Narangba.

“We’re building and rebuilding our infrastructure so we can meet head on the challenges of a growing population.

“This is an investment in our future – ensuring that students have safe, modern learning environments in which to excel.”

Ms Bligh said a record $125 million was being invested in school maintenance during 2008/09.

“This investment includes a special allocation of $45 million from the State Schools of Tomorrow program, including plans for about 11,000 maintenance projects in more than 900 schools to be completed this year,” Ms Bligh said.

“In addition, an extra $10 million has also been allocated under the State Schools of Tomorrow program to address priority maintenance in teacher housing.

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500