New $5.9 million precinct for historic New Farm school

A New Farm school founded at the turn of the century is being supported to cater for the next generation of students, with a new $5.9 million early years’ precinct officially opened today.

Education Minister and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said the new facility would enable New Farm State School to continue its 117-year legacy of educating local students

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing quality education facilities for all students across Queensland,” Ms Grace said.

“It’s wonderful to see students here in Brisbane’s inner city benefiting from this commitment.

“New Farm State School has a rich history in our community, with the original school building dating back to 1901.

“This new $5.9 million early years’ precinct will provide state-of-the-art facilities for our youngest students to learn and engage, as well as helping this school cater for ongoing enrolment demand.”

Ms Grace said the new facilities were supporting this historic school to embrace the 21^st Century, with seven classrooms fitted with high-tech connectivity.

“There is also a covered outdoor learning area, a purpose-built playground for Prep, extra parking spaces and secure fencing and meeting rooms,” she said.

“New Farm State School is among 35 schools in the inner city to be master-planned under the Palaszczuk Government’s Building Future Schools Fund.

“The Building Future Schools Fund is a funding boost of more than $800 million for state school infrastructure.

“This complements our investments to meet enrolment growth right across the state, with a particular focus on Brisbane’s inner city schools that have seen significant growth in the last decade.”

Principal Dr Carmel McGrath said the new facilities meant the New Farm State School’s youngest students now had their own early years’ precinct and a purpose-built play area for Prep.

“The building is also physically accessible for all students and features an amplification system to support students with hearing difficulties,” Dr McGrath said.

Dr McGrath said the classrooms also had interactive whiteboards which would help educate students with diverse learning needs for life in the 21^st century.

“We are proud of our future-oriented programs designed to provide a challenging, exciting education, and help every student reach their potential,” she said.

The Palaszczuk Government has a state-wide Infrastructure Investment Program valued at more than $778 million during 2017-18.

Media contact: Emma Clarey 0439 578 472