INNISFAIL STATE COLLEGE CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING

Queensland’s first fully integrated TAFE and secondary campus was officially opened today with the celebration of a community open day at Innisfail State College.

Premier Anna Bligh and Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson officially opened the $38 million development as part of the Community Cabinet in Innisfail and Mareeba.

“The new college was constructed under round one of the $850 million State Schools of Tomorrow initiative after Innisfail State High School was badly damaged in Cyclone Larry in 2006,” Ms Bligh said.

“The redevelopment of the North Queensland Institute of TAFE site on Flying Fish Point Road will not only benefit generations of students in the Innisfail area but also a great asset to the Innisfail community.

“The college brings together students from secondary and special schools and the TAFE institute.

“College director Julie Pozzoli oversees secondary, vocational, special and adult education services for more than 1000 students and 100 staff.”

Ms Bligh said the new campus includes a 300-seat performing arts centre, the Diverse Learning Centre for special education students, a double-court sports centre, wireless internet across the college grounds and a childcare centre.

“Facilities such as this magnificent school will cater for growth in this region,” said the Premier.

“Good facilities for education are an essential part of a growing community and this new school will cater to generations of young people in Innisfail and surrounding areas.”

Mr Wilson said one of the college’s unique features was the ability of the performing arts centre to serve as a community shelter in times of emergency such as cyclones.

“The learning focus on ‘distinctive education and training in the Wet Tropics’ will lead to partnerships with the community, business, industry and other government agencies to offer students real-world pathways,” he said.

“The college is already being used by community groups including the Innisfail Cricket Club and the local Community Gardens Enterprise which have based themselves within the new campus.

“This significant project will strengthen the education resources of the dynamic and growing community.

“Innisfail is one of four areas to benefit under the State Schools of Tomorrow initiative, which promotes community partnerships. The initiative encourages schools to become genuine community resources and to share facilities with the local community.

“The Innisfail community was extensively consulted throughout the planning and design process and the college name was selected following community input.

“The Innisfail State College, which involved new buildings and refurbishing of the existing TAFE facilities, benefited the local economy by generating 276 jobs during its construction period.

“Funding included the State Government’s $36.7 million contribution, the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution $1.2 million grant and the college’s contribution of $200,000.”

Media contact: Jo Crompton or Rick Morton on 3237 1000