Funding breathes new life into Queensland schools creating tradies jobs bonanza

Queensland’s state schools are set for an upgrade after the Palaszczuk Government announced $220 million to refurbish education facilities, a works program set to create hundreds of jobs for tradespeople across the state.

The funding is on top of more than a billion dollars already announced for new schools and new classrooms creating even more jobs across the state in 2020.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the jobs bonanza today saying it was not just the big new education infrastructure projects helping to support jobs in Queensland.

"We are about to embark on a big refurbishment and upgrade program in Queensland schools across the state," the Premier said.

"Projects like the refurbishment of classrooms and libraries, the creation of outdoor learning spaces, the refurbishment of tennis courts, the repairing of paths and walkways as well as new and refurbished playgrounds.

"That means we need local tradies for a range of works including building, painting and repairing facilities.

"This investment will support more than 720 jobs as schools engage with local businesses to get this vital work done as soon as possible."

The Premier said Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from the global pandemic starts with job creation.

"It’s because we’re continuing to manage the health response that we’re able to focus on our economic recovery," the Premier said.

"We’ve got a $6 billion plan to create vital jobs as we navigate our way through this global pandemic and get our economy back up and running and this program is an important part of that."

Schools are being encouraged to engage local businesses to complete maintenance works and smaller jobs in schools, greatly benefitting hundreds of local tradies across Queensland.

Education Minister Grace Grace said when it came to building the schools of the future, the record of the Palaszczuk Government was unmatched.

"We built eight new schools under budget and opened them on time for day 1 of the 2020 school year," Ms Grace said.

"Our $235 million Renewing Our Schools program is currently supporting more than 700 jobs in Cairns, Townsville, Proserpine, Sarina, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Brisbane to name a few.

"The $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program will air-condition every classroom, staff room and library in every Queensland state school by June 2022 and we’re putting 180,000 solar panels on school rooftops to offset those costs.

"And let’s not forget the five new schools that will open their doors in 2021 with four more to follow in 2022 and 2023.

"More schools, more teachers and better facilities means a world-class education for our students, all delivered by the Palaszczuk Government."

ENDS

Media contact: Brock Taylor – 0427 018 178