PREMIER OFFICIALLY OPENS BRAND NEW GOLD COAST SCHOOL

Premier Anna Bligh was at Ormeau today to officially open one of three new Gold Coast schools.

Ms Bligh - who was joined by Education Minister Rod Welford and Member for Albert Margaret Keech at the opening of Ormeau Woods State High – said the schools were an example of the significant capital investment being made on the Coast.

“The Gold Coast is one of Queensland’s growth hot spots, and as Queenslanders continue to feel the effects of the world economic crisis, its more important than ever we keep this great part of the State moving forward,” Ms Bligh said.

“Of the four new Queensland state schools that opened their doors this year – three are right here on the Gold Coast.

“This is part of the $1.88 billion allocated towards capital works on the Gold Coast this financial year, which will support over 13,100 jobs.

“With the Gold Coast population continuing to spiral, these new schools will play a vital role in catering for growth in this region, with the first stages offering 1,320 more primary school places and 480 high school places.

“This is all part of our Q2 commitment to providing world-class education and training to young Queenslanders and my Government will continue to plan for the future of education across the State,” she said.

Mr Welford said Ormeau Woods State High had an environmental focus, which included energy-efficient lighting, solar power to some buildings and underground rain water tanks for site irrigation and toilet flushing.

“Ensuring all our new schools make the most of the latest environmental technology means we’re not only creating a smarter Queensland, but a greener one as well,” Mr Welford said.

“The school offers a range of subjects including science and technology; food, hospitality and business enterprise education; and creative industries.

“The teaching spaces comprise 12 middle school classrooms, eight science and technology classrooms, four food, hospitality and business enterprise classrooms, two creative industries classrooms, a special education unit, a resource centre, sports ovals and a campus canteen.

“The 230 new students of Ormeau Woods State High can be proud of their new school,” he said.

Local Member and Minister for Child Safety Margaret Keech said the new school had already developed a strong community focus, with two local retirees experienced in hospitality and business administration volunteering to operate the canteen and students’ al fresco dining area.

“This community involvement will benefit the students, local residents and the Ormeau community as a whole,” Mrs Keech said.

The other three new schools to open in 2009 include Highland Reserve State School at Upper Coomera, Norfolk Village State School at Cupania and Bounty Boulevard State School at North Lakes.

The Federal Government contributed a total of $9.5 million towards the first stages of Norfolk Village, Highland Reserve and Bounty Boulevard State Schools. Mr Welford also acknowledged the Gold Coast City Council’s support of the Highland Reserve project.

Tuesday, 3 February 2009

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3237 1000 (Minister Welford’s office)